T HET RAGEDIESOF
SHAKESPEARE
THE
TRAGEDIESOF
W ILLIAM
SHAKESPEARE
THEMODERNLIBRARY
NEWYORK
Contents
TROILUSANDCRESSIDA
CORIOLANUS
TITUSANDRONICUS
ROMEOANDJULIET
TIMONOFATHENS
JULIUSCAESAR
MACBETH
HAMLET,PRINCEOFDENMARK
KINGLEAR
OTHELLO,THEMOOROFVENICE
ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA
CYMBELINE
PERICLES,PRINCEOFTYRE
Notes
Glossary
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TROILUSANDCRESSIDA
CASTOFCHARACTERS
PRIAM ,KingofTroy
HECTOR
T ROILUS
PARIS
hisSons
DEIPHOBUS
HELENUS
MARGARELON ,aBastardSonofPriam
ÆNEAS
TrojanCommanders
ANTENOR
CALCHAS,aTrojanPriest,takingpartwiththe
Greeks
PANDARUS,UncletoCressida
AGAMEMNON ,theGrecianGeneral
MENELAUS,hisBrother
ACHILLES
AJAX
ULYSSES
GrecianCommanders
NESTOR
DIOMEDES
PATROCLUS
T HERSITES,adeformedandscurrilousGrecian
ALEXANDER,ServanttoCressida
ServanttoTroilus
ServanttoParis
ServanttoDiomedes
HELEN ,WifetoMenelaus
ANDROMACHE,WifetoHector
CASSANDRA,DaughtertoPriam;aprophetess
CRESSIDA,DaughtertoCalchas
TrojanandGreekSoldiers,andAttendants
SCENE
Troy,andtheGrecianCampbeforeit
PROLOGUE
InTroythereliesthescene.FromislesofGreece
Theprincesorgulous,theirhighbloodchaf’d,
HavetotheportofAthenssenttheirships,
Fraughtwiththeministersandinstruments
Ofcruelwar:sixtyandnine,thatwore
Theircrownetsregal,fromtheAthenianbay
PutforthtowardPhrygia;andtheirvowismade
ToransackTroy,withinwhosestrongimmures
Theravish’dHelen,Menelaus’queen,
WithwantonParissleeps;andthat’sthequarrel.
ToTenedostheycome,
Andthedeep-drawingbarksdotheredisgorge
Theirwarlikefraughtage:nowonDardanplains
ThefreshandyetunbruisedGreeksdopitch
Theirbravepavilions:Priam’ssix-gatedcity,
Dardan,andTymbria,Ilias,Chetas,Trojan,
AndAntenorides,withmassystaples
Andcorresponsiveandfulfillingbolts,
SperrupthesonsofTroy.
Nowexpectation,ticklingskittishspirits,
Ononeandotherside,TrojanandGreek,
Setsallonhazard.AndhitheramIcome
Aprologuearm’d,butnotinconfidence
Ofauthor ’spenoractor ’svoice,butsuited
Inlikeconditionsasourargument,
Totellyou,fairbeholders,thatourplay
Leapso’erthevauntandfirstlingsofthosebroils,
Beginninginthemiddle;startingthenceaway
Towhatmaybedigestedinaplay.
Likeorfindfault;doasyourpleasuresare:
Nowgoodorbad,’tisbutthechanceofwar.
ACTONE
SCENEONE
Troy.BeforePriam’sPalace.
EnterTroilusarmed,andPandarus
TROILUS.Callheremyvarlet,I’llunarmagain:
WhyshouldIwarwithoutthewallsofTroy,
Thatfindsuchcruelbattleherewithin?
EachTrojanthatismasterofhisheart,
Lethimtofield;Troilus,alas!hasnone.
PANDARUS.Willthisgearne’erbemended?
TROILUS.TheGreeksarestrong,andskilfultotheir
strength,
Fiercetotheirskill,andtotheirfiercenessvaliant;
ButIamweakerthanawoman’stear,
Tamerthansleep,fonderthanignorance,
Lessvaliantthanthevirgininthenight,
Andskillessasunpractis’dinfancy.
PANDARUS.Well,Ihavetoldyouenoughofthis:formy
part,I’llnotmeddlenormakenofurther.Hethatwill
haveacakeoutofthewheatmusttarrythegrinding.
TROILUS.HaveInottarried?
PANDARUS.Ay,thegrinding;butyoumusttarrythebolt-
ing.
TROILUS.HaveInottarried?
PANDARUS.Ay,thebolting;butyoumusttarrytheleaven-
ing.
TROILUS.StillhaveItarried.
PANDARUS.Ay,totheleavening;buthere’syetintheword
‘hereafter ’thekneading,themakingofthecake,the
heatingoftheoven,andthebaking;nay,youmuststay
thecoolingtoo,oryoumaychancetoburnyourlips.
TROILUS.Patienceherself,whatgoddesse’ershebe,
DothlesserblenchatsufferancethanIdo.
AtPriam’sroyaltabledoIsit;
AndwhenfairCressidcomesintomythoughts,—
So,traitor!‘whenshecomes’!—Whenisshethence?
PANDARUS.Well,shelookedyesternightfairerthanever
Isawherlook,oranywomanelse.
TROILUS.Iwasabouttotellthee:whenmyheart,
Aswedgedwithasigh,wouldriveintwain
LestHectorormyfathershouldperceiveme,
Ihave—aswhenthesundothlightastorm—
Buriedthissighinwrinkleofasmile;
Butsorrow,thatiscouch’dinseeminggladness,
Islikethatmirthfateturnstosuddensadness.
PANDARUS.Anherhairwerenotsomewhatdarkerthan
Helen’s,—well,goto,—therewerenomorecomparison
betweenthewomen:but,formypart,sheismykinswoman;Iwouldnot,astheytermit,praiseher;butI
wouldsomebodyhadheardhertalkyesterday,asIdid:
IwillnotdispraiseyoursisterCassandra’swit,but—
TROILUS.OPandarus!Itellthee,Pandarus,—
WhenIdotellthee,theremyhopesliedrown’d,
Replynotinhowmanyfathomsdeep
Theylieindrench’d.ItelltheeIammad
InCressid’slove:thouanswer ’st,sheisfair;
Pour ’stintheopenulcerofmyheart
Hereyes,herhair,hercheek,hergait,hervoice;
Handlestinthydiscourse,O!thatherhand,
Inwhosecomparisonallwhitesareink,
Writingtheirownreproach;towhosesoftseizure
Thecygnet’sdownisharsh,andspiritofsense
Hardasthepalmofploughman:thisthoutell’stme,
Astruethoutell’stme,whenIsayIloveher;
But,sayingthus,insteadofoilandbalm,
Thoulay’stineverygashthatlovehathgivenme
Theknifethatmadeit.
PANDARUS.Ispeaknomorethantruth.
TROILUS.Thoudostnotspeaksomuch.
PANDARUS.Faith,I’llnotmeddlein’t.Letherbeasshe
is:ifshebefair,’tisthebetterforher;anshebenot,
shehasthemendsinherownhands.
TROILUS.GoodPandarus,hownow,Pandarus!
PANDARUS.Ihavehadmylabourformytravail;ill-thought
onofher,andill-thoughtonofyou:gonebetween,and
between,butsmallthanksformylabour.
TROILUS.What!artthouangry,Pandarus?what!withme?
PANDARUS.Becauseshe’skintome,thereforeshe’snotso
fairasHelen:anshewerenotkintome,shewouldbe
asfaironFridayasHelenisonSunday.Butwhatcare
I?Icarenotanshewereablack-a-moor;’tisalloneto
me.
TROILUS.SayIsheisnotfair?
PANDARUS.Idonotcarewhetheryoudoorno.She’sa
fooltostaybehindherfather:lethertotheGreeks;
andsoI’lltellherthenexttimeIseeher.Formypart,
I’llmeddlenormakenomorei’thematter.
TROILUS.Pandarus,—
PANDARUS.NotI.
TROILUS.SweetPandarus,—
PANDARUS.Prayyou,speaknomoretome!Iwillleave
allasIfoundit,andthereanend.
ExitPandarus.Analarum
TROILUS.Peace,youungraciousclamours!peace,rude
sounds!
Foolsonbothsides!Helenmustneedsbefair,
Whenwithyourbloodyoudailypaintherthus.
Icannotfightuponthisargument;
Itistoostarv’dasubjectformysword.
ButPandarus,—Ogods!howdoyouplagueme.
IcannotcometoCressidbutbyPandar;
Andhe’sastechytobewoo’dtowoo
Assheisstubborn-chasteagainstallsuit.
Tellme,Apollo,forthyDaphne’slove,
WhatCressidis,whatPandar,andwhatwe?
HerbedisIndia;thereshelies,apearl:
BetweenourIliumandwheresheresides
Letitbecall’dthewildandwanderingflood;
Ourselfthemerchant,andthissailingPandar
Ourdoubtfulhope,ourconvoyandourbark.
Alarum.EnterÆneas
ÆNEAS.Hownow,PrinceTroilus!whereforenotafield?
TROILUS.Becausenotthere:thiswoman’sanswersorts,
Forwomanishitistobefromthence.
Whatnews,Æneas,fromthefieldto-day?
ÆNEAS.ThatParisisreturnedhome,andhurt.
TROILUS.Bywhom,Æneas?
ÆNEAS.Troilus,byMenelaus.
TROILUS.LetParisbleed:’tisbutascartoscorn;Parisis
gor ’dwithMenelaus’horn.Alarum
ÆNEAS.Hark,whatgoodsportisoutoftownto-day!
TROILUS.Betterathome,if‘wouldImight’were‘may.’
Buttothesportabroad:areyouboundthither?
ÆNEAS.Inallswifthaste.
TROILUS.Come,gowethentogether.
Exeunt
SCENETWO
TheSame.AStreet.
EnterCressidaandAlexander
CRESSIDA.Whowerethosewentby?
ALEXANDER.QueenHecubaandHelen.
CRESSIDA.Andwhithergothey?
ALEXANDER.Uptotheeasterntower,
Whoseheightcommandsassubjectallthevale,
Toseethebattle.Hector,whosepatience
Isasavirtuefix’d,to-daywasmov’d:
HechidAndromache,andstruckhisarmourer;
And,likeastherewerehusbandryinwar,
Beforethesunrosehewasharness’dlight,
Andtothefieldgoeshe;whereeveryflower
Did,asaprophet,weepwhatitforesaw
InHector ’swrath.
CRESSIDA.Whatwashiscauseofanger?
ALEXANDER.Thenoisegoes,this:thereisamongthe
Greeks
AlordofTrojanblood,nephewtoHector;
TheycallhimAjax.
CRESSIDA.Good;andwhatofhim?
ALEXANDER.Theysayheisaverymanperse
Andstandsalone.
CRESSIDA.Sodoallmen,unlesstheyaredrunk,sick,or
havenolegs.
ALEXANDER.Thisman,lady,hathrobbedmanybeasts
oftheirparticularadditions:heisasvaliantasthelion,
churlishasthebear,slowastheelephant:amaninto
whomnaturehathsocrowdedhumoursthathisvalour
iscrushedintofolly,hisfollysaucedwithdiscretion:
thereisnomanhathavirtuethathehathnotaglimpse
of,noranymananattaintbuthecarriessomestainof
it.Heismelancholywithoutcause,andmerryagainst
thehair;hehaththejointsofeverything,butevery
thingsooutofjointthatheisagoutyBriareus,many
handsandnouse;orpurblindArgus,alleyesandno
sight.
CRESSIDA.Buthowshouldthisman,thatmakesmesmile,
makeHectorangry?
ALEXANDER.TheysayheyesterdaycopedHectorinthe
battleandstruckhimdown;thedisdainandshame
whereofhatheversincekeptHectorfastingandwaking.
CRESSIDA.Whocomeshere?
EnterPandarus
ALEXANDER.Madam,yourunclePandarus.
CRESSIDA.Hector’sagallantman.
ALEXANDER.Asmaybeintheworld,lady.
PANDARUS.What’sthat?What’sthat?
CRESSIDA.Good-morrow,unclePandarus.
PANDARUS.Good-morrow,cousinCressid.Whatdoyou
talkof?Good-morrow,Alexander.Howdoyou,cousin?
WhenwereyouatIlium?
CRESSIDA.Thismorning,uncle.
PANDARUS.WhatwereyoutalkingofwhenIcame?Was
HectorarmedandgoneereyecametoIlium?Helen
wasnotup,wasshe?
CRESSIDA.Hectorwasgone,butHelenwasnotup.
PANDARUS.E’enso:Hectorwasstirringearly.
CRESSIDA.Thatwerewetalkingof,andofhisanger.
PANDARUS.Washeangry?
CRESSIDA.Sohesayshere.
PANDARUS.True,hewasso;Iknowthecausetoo:he’lllay
abouthimto-day,Icantellthemthat:andthere’s
Troiluswillnotcomefarbehindhim;letthemtakeheed
ofTroilus,Icantellthemthattoo.
CRESSIDA.What!isheangrytoo?
PANDARUS.Who,Troilus?Troilusisthebettermanofthe
two.
CRESSIDA.OJupiter!there’snocomparison.
PANDARUS.What!notbetweenTroilusandHector?Do
youknowamanifyouseehim?
CRESSIDA.Ay,ifIeversawhimbeforeandknewhim.
PANDARUS.Well,IsayTroilusisTroilus.
CRESSIDA.ThenyousayasIsay;forIamsureheisnot
Hector.
PANDARUS.No,norHectorisnotTroilusinsomedegrees.
CRESSIDA.’Tisjusttoeachofthem;heishimself.
PANDARUS.Himself!Alas,poorTroilus,Iwouldhewere.
CRESSIDA.Soheis.
PANDARUS.Condition,Ihadgonebare-foottoIndia.
CRESSIDA.HeisnotHector.
PANDARUS.Himself!no,he’snothimself.Woulda’were
himself:well,thegodsareabove;timemustfriendor
end:well,Troilus,well,Iwouldmyheartwereinher
body.No,HectorisnotabettermanthanTroilus.
CRESSIDA.Excuseme.
PANDARUS.Heiselder.
CRESSIDA.Pardonme,pardonme.
PANDARUS.Th’other’snotcometo’t;youshalltellme
anothertalewhentheother’scometo’t.Hectorshall
nothavehiswitthisyear.
CRESSIDA.Heshallnotneeditifhehavehisown.
PANDARUS.Norhisqualities.
CRESSIDA.Nomatter.
PANDARUS.Norhisbeauty.
CRESSIDA.’Twouldnotbecomehim;hisown’sbetter.
PANDARUS.Youhavenojudgment,niece:Helenherself
sworeth’otherday,thatTroilus,forabrownfavour—
forso’tis,Imustconfess,—notbrownneither,—
CRESSIDA.No,butbrown.
PANDARUS.Faith,tosaytruth,brownandnotbrown.
CRESSIDA.Tosaythetruth,trueandnottrue.
PANDARUS.Sheprais’dhiscomplexionaboveParis.
CRESSIDA.Why,Parishathcolourenough.
PANDARUS.Sohehas.
CRESSIDA.ThenTroilusshouldhavetoomuch:ifshe
praisedhimabove,hiscomplexionishigherthanhis:
hehavingcolourenough,andtheotherhigher,istoo
flamingapraiseforagoodcomplexion.Ihadaslief
Helen’sgoldentonguehadcommendedTroilusfora
coppernose.
PANDARUS.Isweartoyou,IthinkHelenloveshimbetter
thanParis.
CRESSIDA.Thenshe’samerryGreekindeed.
PANDARUS.Nay,Iamsureshedoes.Shecametohimth’
otherdayintothecompassedwindow,and,youknow,
hehasnotpastthreeorfourhairsonhischin,—
CRESSIDA.Indeed,atapster ’sarithmeticmaysoonbring
hisparticularsthereintoatotal.
PANDARUS.Why,heisveryyoung;andyetwillhe,within
threepounds,liftasmuchashisbrotherHector.
CRESSIDA.Ishesoyoungaman,andsooldalifter?
PANDARUS.ButtoprovetoyouthatHelenloveshim:she
cameandputsmeherwhitehandtohisclovenchin,—
CRESSIDA.Junohavemercy!howcameitcloven?
PANDARUS.Why,youknow,’tisdimpled.Ithinkhissmil-
ingbecomeshimbetterthananymaninallPhrygia.
CRESSIDA.O!hesmilesvaliantly.
PANDARUS.Doeshenot?
CRESSIDA.O!yes,an’twereacloudinautumn.
PANDARUS.Why,goto,then.Buttoprovetoyouthat
HelenlovesTroilus,—
CRESSIDA.Troiluswillstandtotheproof,ifyou’llproveit
so.
PANDARUS.Troilus!why,heesteemshernomorethanI
esteemanaddleegg.
CRESSIDA.Ifyouloveanaddleeggaswellasyoulovean
idlehead,youwouldeatchickensi’theshell.
PANDARUS.Icannotchoosebutlaugh,tothinkhowshe
tickledhischin:indeed,shehasamarvell’swhitehand,
Imustneedsconfess,—
CRESSIDA.Withouttherack.
PANDARUS.Andshetakesuponhertospyawhitehairon
hischin.
CRESSIDA.Alas!poorchin!manyawartisricher.
PANDARUS.Buttherewassuchlaughing:QueenHecuba
laughedthathereyesrano’er.
CRESSIDA.Withmillstones.
PANDARUS.AndCassandralaughed.
CRESSIDA.Buttherewasmoretemperatefireunderthe
potofhereyes:didhereyesruno’ertoo?
PANDARUS.AndHectorlaughed.
CRESSIDA.Atwhatwasallthislaughing?
PANDARUS.Marry,atthewhitehairthatHelenspiedon
Troilus’chin.
CRESSIDA.An’thadbeenagreenhair,Ishouldhavelaughed
too.
PANDARUS.Theylaughednotsomuchatthehairasathis
prettyanswer.
CRESSIDA.Whatwashisanswer?
PANDARUS.Quothshe,‘Here’sbuttwo-and-fiftyhairson
yourchin,andoneofthemiswhite.’
CRESSIDA.Thisisherquestion.
PANDARUS.That’strue;makenoquestionofthat,‘One-
and-fiftyhairs,’quothhe,‘andonewhite:thatwhite
hairismyfather,andalltherestarehissons.’‘Jupiter!’
quothshe,‘whichofthesehairsisParis,myhusband?’
‘Theforkedone,’quothhe;‘pluck’tout,andgiveit
him.’Buttherewassuchlaughing,andHelenso
blushed,andParissochafed,andalltherestsolaughed,
thatitpassed.
CRESSIDA.Soletitnow,forithasbeenagreatwhilego-
ingby.
PANDARUS.Well,cousin,Itoldyouathingyesterday;
thinkon’t.
CRESSIDA.SoIdo.
PANDARUS.I’llbesworn’tistrue:hewillweepyou,an
’twereamanborninApril.
CRESSIDA.AndI’llspringupinhistears,an’twereanettle
againstMay.Aretreatsounded
PANDARUS.Hark!theyarecomingfromthefield.Shall
westanduphere,andseethemastheypasstoward
Ilium?goodniece,do;sweetniece,Cressida.
CRESSIDA.Atyourpleasure.
PANDARUS.Here,here;Here’sanexcellentplace:herewe
mayseemostbravely.I’lltellyouthemallbytheir
namesastheypassby,butmarkTroilusabovetherest.
CRESSIDA.Speaknotsoloud.
Æneaspasses
PANDARUS.That’sÆneas:isnotthatabraveman?he’s
oneoftheflowersofTroy,Icantellyou;butmark
Troilus;youshallseeanon.
Antenorpasses
CRESSIDA.Who’sthat?
PANDARUS.That’sAntenor:hehasashrewdwit,Ican
tellyou;andhe’samangoodenough:he’soneo’the
soundestjudgmentsinTroy,whosoever,andaproper
manofperson.WhencomesTroilus?I’llshowyou
Troilusanon:ifheseeme,youshallseehimnodatme.
CRESSIDA.Willhegiveyouthenod?
PANDARUS.Youshallsee.
CRESSIDA.Ifhedo,therichshallhavemore.
Hectorpasses
PANDARUS.That’sHector,that,that,lookyou,that;there’s
afellow!Gothyway,Hector.There’sabraveman,
niece.ObraveHector!Lookhowhelooks!there’sa
countenance!Is’tnotabraveman?
CRESSIDA.O!abraveman.
PANDARUS.Isa’not?Itdoesaman’sheartgood.Lookyou
whathacksareonhishelmet!lookyouyonder,doyou
see?lookyouthere?there’snojesting;there’slaying
on,take’toffwhowill,astheysay:therebehacks!
CRESSIDA.Bethosewithswords?
PANDARUS.Swords?anything,hecaresnot;anthedevil
cometohim,it’sallone:byGod’slid,itdoesone’s
heartgood.YondercomesParis,yondercomesParis.
Pariscrosses
Lookyeyonder,niece:is’tnotagallantmantoo,is’t
not?Why,thisisbravenow.Whosaidhecamehurt
hometo-day?he’snothurt:why,thiswilldoHelen’s
heartgoodnow,ha!WouldIcouldseeTroilusnow!
YoushallseeTroilusanon.
CRESSIDA.Who’sthat?
Helenuspasses
PANDARUS.That’sHelenus.ImarvelwhereTroilusis.
That’sHelenus.Ithinkhewentnotforthto-day.That’s
Helenus.
CRESSIDA.CanHelenusfight,uncle?
PANDARUS.Helenus?no,yes,he’llfightindifferentwell.I
marvelwhereTroilusis.Hark!doyounothearthe
peoplecry,‘Troilus’?Helenusisapriest.
CRESSIDA.Whatsneakingfellowcomesyonder?
Troiluspasses
PANDARUS.Where?yonder?that’sDeiphobus.’TisTroilus!
there’saman,niece!Hem!BraveTroilus!theprinceof
chivalry!
CRESSIDA.Peace!forshame,peace!
PANDARUS.Markhim;notehim:ObraveTroilus!look
welluponhim,niece:lookyouhowhisswordis
bloodied,andhishelmetmorehackedthanHector ’s;
andhowhelooks,andhowhegoes!Oadmirable
youth!hene’ersawthree-and-twenty.Gothyway,
Troilus,gothyway!HadIasisterwereagrace,ora
daughteragoddess,heshouldtakehischoice.Oadmirableman!Paris?Parisisdirttohim;and,Iwarrant,
Helen,tochange,wouldgiveaneyetoboot.
CRESSIDA.Herecomemore.
Soldierspass
PANDARUS.Asses,fools,dolts!chaffandbran,chaffand
bran!porridgeaftermeat!Icouldliveanddiei’the
eyesofTroilus.Ne’erlook,ne’erlook;theeaglesare
gone:crowsanddaws,crowsanddaws!Ihadrather
besuchamanasTroilusthanAgamemnonandall
Greece.
CRESSIDA.ThereisamongtheGreeksAchilles,abetter
manthanTroilus.
PANDARUS.Achilles!adrayman,aporter,averycamel.
CRESSIDA.Well,well.
PANDARUS.‘Well,well!’Why,haveyouanydiscretion?
haveyouanyeyes?Doyouknowwhatamanis?Isnot
birth,beauty,goodshape,discourse,manhood,learning,gentleness,virtue,youth,liberality,andsoforth,
thespiceandsaltthatseasonaman?
CRESSIDA.Ay,amincedman:andthentobebakedwith
nodateinthepie,forthentheman’sdate’sout.
PANDARUS.Youaresuchawoman!oneknowsnotat
whatwardyoulie.
CRESSIDA.Uponmyback,todefendmybelly;uponmy
wit,todefendmywiles;uponmysecrecy,todefend
minehonesty;mymask,todefendmybeauty;andyou,
todefendallthese:andatallthesewardsIlie,ata
thousandwatches.
PANDARUS.Sayoneofyourwatches.
CRESSIDA.Nay,I’llwatchyouforthat;andthat’soneof
thechiefestofthemtoo:ifIcannotwardwhatIwould
nothavehit,IcanwatchyoufortellinghowItookthe
blow;unlessitswellpasthiding,andthenit’spast
watching.
PANDARUS.Youaresuchanother!
EnterTroilus’Boy
BOY.Sir,mylordwouldinstantlyspeakwithyou.
PANDARUS.Where?
BOY.Atyourownhouse;thereheunarmshim.
PANDARUS.Goodboy,tellhimIcome.ExitBoy
Idoubthebehurt.Fareyewell,goodniece.
CRESSIDA.Adieu,uncle.
PANDARUS.I’llbewithyou,niece,byandby.
CRESSIDA.Tobring,uncle?
PANDARUS.Ay,atokenfromTroilus.
CRESSIDA.Bythesametoken,youareabawd.
ExitPandarus
Words,vows,gifts,tears,andlove’sfullsacrifice
Heoffersinanother ’senterprise;
ButmoreinTroilusthousand-foldIsee
ThanintheglassofPandar ’spraisemaybe.
YetholdIoff.Womenareangels,wooing:
Thingswonaredone;joy’ssoulliesinthedoing:
Thatshebelov’dknowsnoughtthatknowsnotthis:
Menprizethethingungain’dmorethanitis:
Thatshewasneveryet,thateverknew
Lovegotsosweetaswhendesiredidsue.
ThereforethismaximoutofloveIteach:
Achievementiscommand;ungain’d,beseech:
Thenthoughmyheart’scontentfirmlovedothbear,
Nothingofthatshallfrommineeyesappear.Exit
SCENETHREE
TheGrecianCamp.BeforeAgamemnon’sTent.
Sennet.EnterAgamemnon,Nestor,Ulysses,
Menelaus,andOthers
AGAMEMNON .Princes,
Whatgriefhathsetthejaundiceonyourcheeks?
Theamplepropositionthathopemakes
Inalldesignsbegunonearthbelow
Failsinthepromis’dlargeness:checksanddisasters
Growintheveinsofactionshighestrear ’d,
Asknots,bytheconfluxofmeetingsap,
Infectthesoundpineanddiverthisgrain
Tortiveanderrantfromhiscourseofgrowth.
Nor,princes,isitmatternewtous
Thatwecomeshortofoursupposesofar
Thataftersevenyears’siegeyetTroywallsstand;
Sitheveryactionthathathgonebefore,
Whereofwehaverecord,trialdiddraw
Biasandthwart,notansweringtheaim,
Andthatunbodiedfigureofthethought
Thatgave’tsurmisedshape.Whythen,youprinces,
Doyouwithcheeksabash’dbeholdourworks,
Andcallthemshames?whichareindeednoughtelse
ButtheprotractivetrialsofgreatJove,
Tofindpersistiveconstancyinmen:
Thefinenessofwhichmetalisnotfound
InFortune’slove;forthen,theboldandcoward,
Thewiseandfool,theartistandunread,
Thehardandsoft,seemallaffin’dandkin:
But,inthewindandtempestofherfrown,
Distinction,withabroadandpowerfulfan,
Puffingatall,winnowsthelightaway;
Andwhathathmassormatter,byitself
Liesrichinvirtueandunmingled.
NESTOR.Withdueobservanceofthygodlikeseat,
GreatAgamemnon,Nestorshallapply
Thylatestwords.Inthereproofofchance
Liesthetrueproofofmen:theseabeingsmooth,
Howmanyshallowbaubleboatsdaresail
Uponherpatientbreast,makingtheirway
Withthoseofnoblerbulk!
ButlettheruffianBoreasonceenrage
ThegentleThetis,andanonbehold
Thestrong-ribb’dbarkthroughliquidmountainscut,
Boundingbetweenthetwomoistelements,
LikePerseus’horse:where’sthenthesaucyboat
Whoseweakuntimber ’dsidesbutevennow
Co-rivall’dgreatness?eithertoharbourfled,
OrmadeatoastforNeptune.Evenso
Dothvalour ’sshowandvalour ’sworthdivide
Instormsoffortune;forinherrayandbrightness
Theherdhathmoreannoyancebythebreese
Thanbythetiger;butwhenthesplittingwind
Makesflexiblethekneesofknottedoaks,
Andfliesfledundershade,whythenthethingofcourage,
Asrous’dwithrage,withragedothsympathize,
Andwithanaccenttun’dinself-samekey.
Retortstochidingfortune.
ULYSSES.Agamemnon,
Thougreatcommander,nerveandboneofGreece,
Heartofournumbers,soulandonlyspirit,
Inwhomthetempersandthemindsofall
Shouldbeshutup,hearwhatUlyssesspeaks.
Besidestheapplauseandapprobation
Thewhich,(ToAgamemnon)mostmightyforthy
placeandsway,
(ToNestor)Andthoumostreverendforthystretch’doutlife,
Igivetobothyourspeeches,whichweresuch
AsAgamemnonandthehandofGreece
Shouldholduphighinbrass;andsuchagain
AsvenerableNestor,hatch’dinsilver,
Shouldwithabondofair,strongastheaxletree
Onwhichheavenrides,knitalltheGreekishears
Tohisexperienc’dtongue,yetletitpleaseboth,
Thougreat,andwise,tohearUlyssesspeak.
AGAMEMNON .Speak,PrinceofIthaca;andbe’tofless
expect
Thatmatterneedless,ofimportlessburden,
Dividethylips,thanweareconfident,
WhenrankThersitesopeshismastickjaws,
Weshallhearmusic,wit,andoracle.
ULYSSES.Troy,yetuponhisbasis,hadbeendown,
AndthegreatHector ’sswordhadlack’damaster,
Butfortheseinstances.
Thespecialtyofrulehathbeenneglected:
Andlook,howmanyGreciantentsdostand
Hollowuponthisplain,somanyhollowfactions.
Whenthatthegeneralisnotlikethehive
Towhomtheforagersshallallrepair,
Whathoneyisexpected?Degreebeingvizarded,
Theunworthiestshowsasfairlyinthemask.
Theheavensthemselves,theplanets,andthiscentre
Observedegree,priority,andplace,
Insisture,course,proportion,season,form,
Office,andcustom,inalllineoforder:
AndthereforeisthegloriousplanetSol
Innobleeminenceenthron’dandspher ’d
Amidsttheother;whosemed’cinableeye
Correctstheillaspectsofplanetsevil,
Andposts,likethecommandmentofaking,
Sanscheck,togoodandbad:butwhentheplanets
Inevilmixturetodisorderwander,
Whatplagues,andwhatportents,whatmutiny,
Whatragingofthesea,shakingofearth,
Commotioninthewinds,frights,changes,horrors,
Divertandcrack,rendandderacinate
Theunityandmarriedcalmofstates
Quitefromtheirfixure!O!whendegreeisshak’d,
Whichistheladdertoallhighdesigns,
Theenterpriseissick.Howcouldcommunities,
Degreesinschools,andbrotherhoodsincities,
Peacefulcommercefromdividableshores,
Theprimogenitiveanddueofbirth,
Prerogativeofage,crowns,sceptres,laurels,
Butbydegree,standinauthenticplace?
Takebutdegreeaway,untunethatstring,
And,hark!whatdiscordfollows;eachthingmeets
Inmereoppugnancy:theboundedwaters
Shouldlifttheirbosomshigherthantheshores,
Andmakeasopofallthissolidglobe:
Strengthshouldbelordofimbecility,
Andtherudesonshouldstrikehisfatherdead:
Forceshouldberight;orrather,rightandwrong—
Betweenwhoseendlessjarjusticeresides—
Shouldlosetheirnames,andsoshouldjusticetoo.
Theneverythingincludesitselfinpower,
Powerintowill,willintoappetite;
Andappetite,auniversalwolf,
Sodoublysecondedwithwillandpower,
Mustmakeperforceauniversalprey,
Andlasteatuphimself.GreatAgamemnon,
Thischaos,whendegreeissuffocate,
Followsthechoking.
Andthisneglectionofdegreeitis
Thatbyapacegoesbackward,withapurpose
Ithathtoclimb.Thegeneral’sdisdain’d
Byhimonestepbelow,hebythenext,
Thatnextbyhimbeneath;soeverystep,
Exampledbythefirstpacethatissick
Ofhissuperior,growstoanenviousfever
Ofpaleandbloodlessemulation:
And’tisthisfeverthatkeepsTroyonfoot,
Notherownsinews.Toendataleoflength,
Troyinourweaknesslives,notinherstrength.
NESTOR.MostwiselyhathUlyssesherediscover ’d
Thefeverwhereofallourpowerissick.
AGAMEMNON .Thenatureofthesicknessfound,Ulysses,
Whatistheremedy?
ULYSSES.ThegreatAchilles,whomopinioncrowns
Thesinewandtheforehandofourhost,
Havinghisearfullofhisairyfame,
Growsdaintyofhisworth,andinhistent
Liesmockingourdesigns.WithhimPatroclus
Uponalazybedthelivelongday
Breaksscurriljests,
Andwithridiculousandawkwardaction—
Which,slanderer,heimitationcalls—
Hepageantsus.Sometime,greatAgamemnon,
Thytoplessdeputationheputson
And,likeastruttingplayer,whoseconceit
Liesinhishamstring,anddoththinkitrich
Tohearthewoodendialogueandsound
’Twixthisstretch’dfootingandthescaffoldage,—
Suchto-be-pitiedando’er-wrestedseeming
Heactsthygreatnessin:—andwhenhespeaks,
’Tislikeachimea-mending;withtermsunsquar ’d,
Which,fromthetongueofroaringTyphondropp’d,
Wouldseemhyperboles.Atthisfustystuff
ThelargeAchilles,onhispress’dbedlolling,
Fromhisdeepchestlaughsoutaloudapplause;
Cries,‘Excellent!’tisAgamemnonjust.
NowplaymeNestor;hem,andstrokethybeard,
Ashebeingdresttosomeoration.’
That’sdone;—asnearastheextremestends
Ofparallels,likeasVulcanandhiswife:—
YetgoodAchillesstillcries,‘Excellent!
’TisNestorright.Nowplayhimme,Patroclus,
Armingtoanswerinanightalarm.’
Andthen,forsooth,thefaintdefectsofage
Mustbethesceneofmirth;tocoughandspit,
Andwithapalsy-fumblingonhisgorget,
Shakeinandouttherivet:andatthissport
SirValourdies;cries,‘O!enough,Patroclus;
Orgivemeribsofsteel;Ishallsplitall
Inpleasureofmyspleen.’Andinthisfashion,
Allourabilities,gifts,natures,shapes,
Severalsandgeneralsofgraceexact,
Achievements,plots,orders,preventions,
Excitementstothefield,orspeechfortruce,
Successorloss,whatisorisnot,serves
Asstuffforthesetwotomakeparadoxes.
NESTOR.Andintheimitationofthesetwain—
Whom,asUlyssessays,opinioncrowns
Withanimperialvoice—manyareinfect.
Ajaxisgrownself-will’d,andbearshishead
Insucharein,infullasproudaplace
AsbroadAchilles;keepshistentlikehim;
Makesfactiousfeasts;railsonourstateofwar,
Boldasanoracle,andsetsThersites—
Aslavewhosegallcoinsslanderslikeamint—
Tomatchusincomparisonwithdirt;
Toweakenanddiscreditourexposure,
Howranksoeverroundedinwithdanger.
ULYSSES.Theytaxourpolicy,andcallitcowardice;
Countwisdomasnomemberofthewar;
Forestallprescience,andesteemnoact
Butthatofhand:thestillandmentalparts,
Thatdocontrivehowmanyhandsshallstrike,
Whenfitnesscallsthemon,andknowbymeasure
Oftheirobservanttoiltheenemies’weight,—
Why,thishathnotafinger ’sdignity:
Theycallthisbed-work,mappery,closet-war;
Sothattheramthatbattersdownthewall,
Forthegreatswingandrudenessofhispoise,
Theyplacebeforehishandthatmadetheengine,
Orthosethatwiththefinenessoftheirsouls
Byreasonguideshisexecution.
NESTOR.Letthisbegranted,andAchilles’horse
MakesmanyThetis’sons.Atucket.
AGAMEMNON .Whattrumpet?look,Menelaus.
MENELAUS.FromTroy.
EnterÆneas
AGAMEMNON .Whatwouldyou’foreourtent?
ÆNEAS.IsthisgreatAgamemnon’stent,Iprayyou?
AGAMEMNON .Eventhis.
ÆNEAS.Mayone,thatisaheraldandaprince,
Doafairmessagetohiskinglyears?
AGAMEMNON .WithsuretystrongerthanAchilles’arm
’ForealltheGreekishheads,whichwithonevoice
CallAgamemnonheadandgeneral.
ÆNEAS.Fairleaveandlargesecurity.Howmay
Astrangertothosemostimperiallooks
Knowthemfromeyesofothermortals?
AGAMEMNON .How!
ÆNEAS.Ay;
Iask,thatImightwakenreverence,
Andbidthecheekbereadywithablush
Modestasmorningwhenshecoldlyeyes
TheyouthfulPhœbus:
Whichisthatgodinoffice,guidingmen?
WhichisthehighandmightyAgamemnon?
AGAMEMNON .ThisTrojanscornsus;orthemenofTroy
Areceremoniouscourtiers.
ÆNEAS.Courtiersasfree,asdebonair,unarm’d,
Asbendingangels;that’stheirfameinpeace:
Butwhentheywouldseemsoldiers,theyhavegalls,
Goodarms,strongjoints,trueswords;and,Jove’saccord,
Nothingsofullofheart.Butpeace,Æneas!
Peace,Trojan!laythyfingeronthylips!
Theworthinessofpraisedistainshisworth,
Ifthattheprais’dhimselfbringsthepraiseforth;
Butwhattherepiningenemycommends,
Thatbreathfameblows;thatpraise,solepure,transcends.
AGAMEMNON .Sir,youofTroy,callyouyourselfÆneas?
ÆNEAS.Ay,Greek,thatismyname.
AGAMEMNON .What’syouraffair,Iprayyou?
ÆNEAS.Sir,pardon,’tisforAgamemnon’sears.
AGAMEMNON .Hehearsnoughtprivatelythatcomesfrom
Troy.
ÆNEAS.NorIfromTroycomenottowhisperhim:
Ibringatrumpettoawakehisear,
Tosethissenseontheattentivebent,
Andthentospeak.
AGAMEMNON .Speakfranklyasthewind:
ItisnotAgamemnon’ssleepinghour;
Thatthoushaltknow,Trojan,heisawake,
Hetellstheesohimself.
ÆNEAS.Trumpet,blowaloud,
Sendthybrassvoicethroughalltheselazytents;
AndeveryGreekofmettle,lethimknow,
WhatTroymeansfairlyshallbespokealoud.
Trumpetsounds
Wehave,greatAgamemnon,hereinTroy,
AprincecalledHector,—Priamishisfather,—
Whointhisdullandlong-continu’dtruce
Isrustygrown:hebademetakeatrumpet,
Andtothispurposespeak:kings,princes,lords!
Iftherebeoneamongthefair ’stofGreece
Thatholdshishonourhigherthanhisease,
Thatseekshispraisemorethanhefearshisperil,
Thatknowshisvalour,andknowsnothisfear,
Thatloveshismistressmorethaninconfession,
Withtruantvowstoherownlipsheloves,
Anddareavowherbeautyandherworth
Inotherarmsthanhers,—tohimthischallenge.
Hector,inviewofTrojansandofGreeks,
Shallmakeitgood,ordohisbesttodoit,
Hehathaladywiser,fairer,truer,
ThaneverGreekdidcompassinhisarms;
Andwillto-morrowwithhistrumpetcall,
MidwaybetweenyourtentsandwallsofTroy,
TorouseaGrecianthatistrueinlove:
Ifanycome,Hectorshallhonourhim;
Ifnone,he’llsayinTroywhenheretires,
TheGreciandamesaresunburnt,andnotworth
Thesplinterofalance.Evensomuch.
AGAMEMNON .Thisshallbetoldourlovers,LordÆneas;
Ifnoneofthemhavesoulinsuchakind,
Weleftthemallathome:butwearesoldiers;
Andmaythatsoldieramererecreantprove,
Thatmeansnot,hathnot,orisnotinlove!
Ifthenoneis,orhath,ormeanstobe,
ThatonemeetsHector;ifnoneelse,Iamhe.
NESTOR.TellhimofNestor,onethatwasaman
WhenHector ’sgrandsiresuck’d:heisoldnow:
ButiftherebenotinourGrecianhost
Onenoblemanthathathonesparkoffire
Toanswerforhislove,tellhimfromme,
I’llhidemysilverbeardinagoldbeaver,
Andinmyvantbraceputthiswither ’dbrawn;
And,meetinghim,willtellhimthatmylady
Wasfairerthanhisgrandam,andaschaste
Asmaybeintheworld:hisyouthinflood,
I’llprovethistruthwithmythreedropsofblood.
ÆNEAS.Nowheavensforbidsuchscarcityofyouth!
ULYSSES.Amen.
AGAMEMNON .FairLordÆneas,letmetouchyourhand;
ToourpavilionshallIleadyoufirst.
Achillesshallhavewordofthisintent;
SoshalleachlordofGreece,fromtenttotent:
Yourselfshallfeastwithusbeforeyougo,
Andfindthewelcomeofanoblefoe.
ExeuntallbutUlyssesandNestor
ULYSSES.Nestor!
NESTOR.WhatsaysUlysses?
ULYSSES.Ihaveayoungconceptioninmybrain;
Beyoumytimetobringittosomeshape.
NESTOR.Whatis’t?
ULYSSES.This’tis:
Bluntwedgesrivehardknots:theseededpride
Thathathtothismaturityblownup
InrankAchilles,mustornowbecropp’d,
Or,shedding,breedanurseryoflikeevil,
Tooverbulkusall.
NESTOR.Well,andhow?
ULYSSES.ThischallengethatthegallantHectorsends,
Howeveritisspreadingeneralname,
RelatesinpurposeonlytoAchilles.
NESTOR.Thepurposeisperspicuousevenassubstance
Whosegrossnesslittlecharacterssumup:
And,inthepublication,makenostrain,
ButthatAchilles,werehisbrainasbarren
AsbanksofLibya,—though,Apolloknows,
’Tisdryenough,—willwithgreatspeedofjudgment,
Ay,withcelerity,findHector ’spurpose
Pointingonhim.
ULYSSES.Andwakehimtotheanswer,thinkyou?
NESTOR.Yes,’tismostmeet:whommayyouelseoppose,
ThatcanfromHectorbringthosehonoursoff,
IfnotAchilles?Though’tbeasportfulcombat,
Yetinthetrialmuchopiniondwells;
ForheretheTrojanstasteourdear ’strepute
Withtheirfin’stpalate:andtrusttome,Ulysses,
Ourimputationshallbeoddlypois’d
Inthiswildaction;forthesuccess,
Althoughparticular,shallgiveascantling
Ofgoodorbaduntothegeneral;
Andinsuchindexes,althoughsmallpricks
Totheirsubsequentvolumes,thereisseen
Thebabyfigureofthegiantmass
Ofthingstocomeatlarge.Itissuppos’d
HethatmeetsHectorissuesfromourchoice;
Andchoice,beingmutualactofalloursouls,
Makesmeritherelection,anddothboil,
As’twerefromforthusall,amandistill’d
Outofourvirtues;whomiscarrying,
Whatheartreceivesfromhencetheconqueringpart,
Tosteelastrongopiniontothemselves?
Whichentertain’d,limbsarehisinstruments,
Innolessworkingthanareswordsandbows
Directivebythelimbs.
ULYSSES.Givepardontomyspeech:
Therefore’tismeetAchillesmeetnotHector.
Letuslikemerchantsshowourfoulestwares,
Andthinkperchancethey’llsell;ifnot,
Thelustreofthebetteryettoshow
Shallshowthebetter.Donotconsent
ThateverHectorandAchillesmeet;
Forbothourhonourandourshameinthis
Aredogg’dwithtwostrangefollowers.
NESTOR.Iseethemnotwithmyoldeyes:whatarethey?
ULYSSES.WhatgloryourAchillessharesfromHector,
Werehenotproud,weallshouldsharewithhim:
Buthealreadyistooinsolent;
AndwewerebetterparchinAfricsun
Thanintheprideandsaltscornofhiseyes,
Shouldhe’scapeHectorfair:ifhewerefoil’d,
Whythenwedidourmainopinioncrush
Intaintofourbestman.No;makealottery;
AndbydeviceletblockishAjaxdraw
ThesorttofightwithHector:amongourselves
Givehimallowanceastheworthierman,
ForthatwillphysicthegreatMyrmidon
Whobroilsinloudapplause;andmakehimfall
HiscrestthatprouderthanblueIrisbends.
IfthedullbrainlessAjaxcomesafeoff,
We’lldresshimupinvoices:ifhefail,
Yetgoweunderouropinionstill
Thatwehavebettermen.But,hitormiss,
Ourproject’slifethisshapeofsenseassumes:
Ajaxemploy’dplucksdownAchilles’plumes.
NESTOR.Ulysses,
NowIbegintorelishthyadvice;
AndIwillgiveatasteofitforthwith
ToAgamemnon:gowetohimstraight.
Twocursshalltameeachother:pridealone
Musttarrethemastiffson,as’tweretheirbone.
Exeunt
ACTTWO
SCENEONE
APartoftheGrecianCamp.
EnterAjaxandThersites
AJAX.Thersites!
THERSITES.Agamemnon,howifhehadboils?full,allover,
generally?
AJAX.Thersites!
THERSITES.Andthoseboilsdidrun?Sayso,didnotthe
generalrunthen?werenotthatabotchycore?
AJAX.Dog!
THERSITES.Thenwouldcomesomematterfromhim:Isee
nonenow.
AJAX.Thoubitch-wolf’sson,canstthounothear?Feel,
then.Strikeshim
THERSITES.TheplagueofGreeceuponthee,thoumongrel
beef-wittedlord!
AJAX.Speakthen,thouvinewedstleaven,speak:Iwill
beattheeintohandsomeness.
THERSITES.Ishallsoonerrailtheeintowitandholiness:
butIthinkthyhorsewillsoonerconanorationthan
thoulearnaprayerwithoutbook.Thoucanststrike,
canstthou?aredmurraino’thyjade’stricks!
AJAX.Toadstool,learnmetheproclamation.
THERSITES.DostthouthinkIhavenosense,thoustrikest
methus?
AJAX.Theproclamation!
THERSITES.Thouareproclaimedafool,Ithink.
AJAX.Donot,porpentine,donot:myfingersitch.
THERSITES.Iwouldthoudidstitchfromheadtofoot,and
Ihadthescratchingofthee;Iwouldmaketheethe
loathsomestscabofGreece.Whenthouartforthinthe
incursions,thoustrikestasslowasanother.
AJAX.Isay,theproclamation!
THERSITES.Thougrumblestandrailesteveryhouron
Achilles,andthouartasfullofenvyathisgreatnessas
CerberusisatProserpina’sbeauty,ay,thatthoubarkest
athim.
AJAX.MistressThersites!
THERSITES.Thoushouldststrikehim.
AJAX.Cobloaf!
THERSITES.Hewouldpuntheeintoshiverswithhisfist,as
asailorbreaksabiscuit.
AJAX.Youwhoresoncur.Beatinghim
THERSITES.Do,do.
AJAX.Thoustoolforawitch!
THERSITES.Ay,do,do;thousodden-wittedlord!thouhast
nomorebrainthanIhaveinmineelbows:anassinego
maytutorthee:thouscury-valiantass!thouareherebut
tothrashTrojans;andthouartboughtandsoldamong
thoseofanywit,likeabarbarianslave.Ifthouuseto
beatme,Iwillbeginatthyheel,andtellwhatthouart
byinches,thouthingofnobowels,thou!
AJAX.Youdog!
THERSITES.Youscurvylord!
AJAX.Youcur!Beatinghim
THERSITES.Marshisidiot!do,rudeness;do,camel;do,do.
EnterAchillesandPatroclus
ACHILLES.Why,hownow,Ajax!whereforedoyouthis?
Hownow,Thersites!What’sthematter,man?
THERSITES.Youseehimthere,doyou?
ACHILLES.Ay;what’sthematter?
THERSITES.Nay,lookuponhim.
ACHILLES.SoIdo:What’sthematter?
THERSITES.Nay,butregardhimwell.
ACHILLES.‘Well!’why,soIdo.
THERSITES.Butyetyoulooknotwelluponhim;for,who-
soeveryoutakehimtobe,heisAjax.
ACHILLES.Iknowthat,fool.
THERSITES.Ay,butthatfoolknowsnothimself.
AJAX.ThereforeIbeatthee.
THERSITES.Lo,lo,lo,lo,whatmodicumsofwitheutters!
hisevasionshaveearsthuslong.Ihavebobbedhisbrain
morethanhehasbeatmybones:Iwillbuyninesparrowsforapenny,andhispiamaterisnotworththe
ninthpartofasparrow.Thislord,Achilles,Ajax,who
wearshiswitinhisbelly,andhisgutsinhishead,I’ll
tellyouwhatIsayofhim.
ACHILLES.What?
THERSITES.Isay,thisAjax,—Ajaxofferstostrikehim
ACHILLES.Nay,goodAjax.
THERSITES.Hasnotsomuchwit—
ACHILLES.Nay,Imustholdyou.
THERSITES.AswillstoptheeyeofHelen’sneedle,for
whomhecomestofight.
ACHILLES.Peace,fool!
THERSITES.Iwouldhavepeaceandquietness,butthefool
willnot:hethere;thathe;lookyouthere.
AJAX.Othoudamnedcur!Ishall—
ACHILLES.Willyousetyourwittoafool’s?
THERSITES.No,Iwarrantyou;forafool’swillshameit.
PATROCLUS.Goodwords,Thersites.
ACHILLES.What’sthequarrel?
AJAX.Ibadethevileowlgolearnmethetenourofthe
proclamation,andherailsuponme.
THERSITES.Iservetheenot.
AJAX.Well,goto,goto.
THERSITES.Iserveherevoluntary.
ACHILLES.Yourlastservicewassufferance,’twasnotvol-
untary;nomanisbeatenvoluntary:Ajaxwasherethe
voluntary,andyouasunderanimpress.
THERSITES.Evenso;agreatdealofyourwittooliesin
yoursinews,orelsetherebeliars.Hectorshallhavea
greatcatchifheknockouteitherofyourbrains:a’were
asgoodcrackafustynutwithnokernel.
ACHILLES.What,withmetoo,Thersites?
THERSITES.There’sUlyssesandoldNestor,whosewit
wasmouldyereyourgrandsireshadnailsontheirtoes,
yokeyoulikedraught-oxen,andmakeyouploughup
thewars.
ACHILLES.What,what?
THERSITES.Yes,goodsooth:to,Achilles!to,Ajax!to!
AJAX.Ishallcutoutyourtongue.
THERSITES.’Tisnomatter;Ishallspeakasmuchasthou
afterwards.
PATROCLUS.Nomorewords,Thersites;peace!
THERSITES.IwillholdmypeacewhenAchilles’brachbids
me,shallI?
ACHILLES.There’sforyou,Patroclus.
THERSITES.Iwillseeyouhanged,likeclotpoles,ereIcome
anymoretoyourtents:Iwillkeepwherethereiswit
stirringandleavethefactionoffools.Exit
PATROCLUS.Agoodriddance.
ACHILLES.Marry,this,sir,isproclaim’dthroughallour
host:
ThatHector,bythefifthhourofthesun,
Will,withatrumpet,’twixtourtentsandTroy
To-morrowmorningcallsomeknighttoarms
Thathathastomach;andsuchaonethatdare
Maintain—Iknownotwhat:’tistrash.Farewell.
AJAX.Farewell.Whoshallanswerhim?
ACHILLES.Iknownot:itisputtolottery;otherwise,
Heknewhisman.
AJAX.O,meaningyou.Iwillgolearnmoreofit.Exeunt
SCENETWO
Troy.ARoominPriam’sPalace.
EnterPriam,Hector,Troilus,Paris,andHelenus
PRIAM .Aftersomanyhours,lives,speechesspent,
ThusonceagainsaysNestorfromtheGreeks:
‘DeliverHelen,andalldamageelse,
Ashonour,lossoftime,travail,expense,
Wounds,friends,andwhatelsedearthatisconsum’d
Inhotdigestionofthiscormorantwar,
Shallbestruckoff.’Hector,whatsayyouto’t?
HECTOR.ThoughnomanlesserfearstheGreeksthanI,
Asfarastouchethmyparticular,
Yet,dreadPriam,
Thereisnoladyofmoresofterbowels,
Morespongytosuckinthesenseoffear,
Morereadytocryout‘Whoknowswhatfollows?’
ThanHectoris.Thewoundofpeaceissurety,
Suretysecure;butmodestdoubtiscall’d
Thebeaconofthewise,thetentthatsearches
Tothebottomoftheworst.LetHelengo:
Sincethefirstswordwasdrawnaboutthisquestion,
Everytithesoul,’mongstmanythousanddismes,
HathbeenasdearasHelen;Imean,ofours:
Ifwehavelostsomanytenthsofours,
Toguardathingnotoursnorworthtous,
Haditourname,thevalueofoneten,
Whatmerit’sinthatreasonwhichdenies
Theyieldingofherup?
TROILUS.Fie,fie!mybrother,
Weighyoutheworthandhonourofaking
Sogreatasourdreadfatherinascale
Ofcommonounces?willyouwithcounterssum
Thepastproportionofhisinfinite?
Andbuckleinawaistmostfathomless
Withspansandinchessodiminutive
Asfearsandreasons?fie,forgodlyshame!
HELENUS.Nomarvel,thoughyoubitesosharpatreasons,
Youaresoemptyofthem.Shouldnotourfather
Bearthegreatswayofhisaffairswithreasons,
Becauseyourspeechhathnonethattellshimso?
TROILUS.Youarefordreamsandslumbers,brotherpriest;
Youfuryourgloveswithreason.Hereareyourreasons:
Youknowanenemyintendsyouharm;
Youknowaswordemploy’disperilous,
Andreasonfliestheobjectofallharm:
Whomarvelsthen,whenHelenusbeholds
AGrecianandhissword,ifhedoset
Theverywingsofreasontohisheels,
AndflylikechiddenMercuryfromJove,
Orlikeastardisorb’d?Nay,ifwetalkofreason,
Let’sshutourgatesandsleep:manhoodandhonour
Shouldhavehare-hearts,wouldtheybutfattheir
thoughts
Withthiscramm’dreason:reasonandrespect
Makeliverspale,andlustihooddeject.
HECTOR.Brother,sheisnotworthwhatshedothcost
Theholding.
TROILUS.Whatisaughtbutas’tisvalu’d?
HECTOR.Butvaluedwellsnotinparticularwill;
Itholdshisestimateanddignity
Aswellwherein’tispreciousofitself
Asintheprizer.’Tismadidolatry
Tomaketheservicegreaterthanthegod;
Andthewilldotesthatisinclinable
Towhatinfectiouslyitselfaffects,
Withoutsomeimageoftheaffectedmerit.
TROILUS.Itaketo-dayawife,andmyelection
Isledonintheconductofmywill;
Mywillenkindledbymineeyesandears,
Twotradedpilots’twixtthedangerousshores
Ofwillandjudgment.HowmayIavoid,
Althoughmywilldistastewhatitelected,
ThewifeIchose?therecanbenoevasion
Toblenchfromthisandtostandfirmbyhonour.
Weturnnotbackthesilksuponthemerchant
Whenwehavesoil’dthem,northeremainderviands
Wedonotthrowinunrespectivesink
Becausewenowarefull.Itwasthoughtmeet
ParisshoulddosomevengeanceontheGreeks:
Yourbreathoffullconsentbelliedhissails;
Theseasandwinds—oldwranglers—tookatruce
Anddidhimservice:hetouch’dtheportsdesir ’d,
AndforanoldauntwhomtheGreeksheldcaptive
HebroughtaGrecianqueen,whoseyouthandfreshness
WrinklesApollo’s,andmakesstalethemorning.
Whykeepweher?theGrecianskeepheraunt:
Issheworthkeeping?why,sheisapearl,
Whosepricehathlaunch’daboveathousandships,
Andturn’dcrown’dkingstomerchants.
Ifyou’llavouch’twaswisdomPariswent,—
Asyoumustneeds,foryouallcried‘Go,go,’—
Ifyou’llconfesshebroughthomenobleprize,—
Asyoumustneeds,foryouallclapp’dyourhands,
Andcry’d‘Inestimable!’—whydoyounow
Theissueofyourproperwisdomsrate,
AnddoadeedthatFortuneneverdid,
Beggartheestimationwhichyoupriz’d
Richerthanseaandland?O!theftmostbase,
Thatwehavestol’nwhatwedofeartokeep!
Butthievesunworthyofathingsostol’n,
Thatintheircountrydidthemthatdisgrace
Wefeartowarrantinournativeplace.
CASSANDRA.(Within)Cry,Trojans,cry!
PRIAM .Whatnoise?whatshriek?
TROILUS.’Tisourmadsister,Idoknowhervoice.
CASSANDRA.(Within)Cry,Trojans!
HECTOR.ItisCassandra.
EnterCassandra,raving
CASSANDRA.Cry,Trojans,cry!lendmetenthousandeyes,
AndIwillfillthemwithprophetictears.
HECTOR.Peace,sister,peace!
CASSANDRA.Virginsandboys,mid-ageandwrinkledeld,
Softinfancy,thatnothingcanstbutcry,
Addtomyclamours!letuspaybetimes
Amoietyofthatmassofmoantocome.
Cry,Trojans,cry!practiseyoureyeswithtears!
Troymustnotbe,norgoodlyIlionstand;
Ourfirebrandbrother,Paris,burnsusall.
Cry,Trojans,cry!aHelenandawoe!
Cry,cry!Troyburns,orelseletHelengo.Exit
HECTOR.Now,youthfulTroilus,donotthesehighstrains
Ofdivinationinoursisterwork
Sometouchesofremorse?orisyourblood
Somadlyhotthatnodiscourseofreason,
Norfearofbadsuccessinabadcause,
Canqualifythesame?
TROILUS.Why,brotherHector,
Wemaynotthinkthejustnessofeachact
Suchandnootherthaneventdothformit,
Noroncedejectthecourageofourminds,
BecauseCassandra’smad:herbrain-sickraptures
Cannotdistastethegoodnessofaquarrel
Whichhathourseveralhonoursallengag’d
Tomakeitgracious.Formyprivatepart,
Iamnomoretouch’dthanallPriam’ssons;
AndJoveforbidthereshouldbedoneamongstus
Suchthingsasmightoffendtheweakestspleen
Tofightforandmaintain.
PARIS.Elsemighttheworldconvinceoflevity
Aswellmyundertakingsasyourcounsels;
ButIattestthegods,yourfullconsent
Gavewingstomypropensionandcutoff
Allfearsattendingonsodireaproject:
Forwhat,alas!canthesemysinglearms?
Whatpropugnationisinoneman’svalour,
Tostandthepushandenmityofthose
Thisquarrelwouldexcite?Yet,Iprotest,
WereIalonetopassthedifficulties,
AndhadasamplepowerasIhavewill,
Parisshouldne’erretractwhathehathdone,
Norfaintinthepursuit.
PRIAM .Paris,youspeak
Likeonebesottedonyoursweetdelights:
Youhavethehoneystill,butthesethegall;
Sotobevaliantisnopraiseatall.
PARIS.Sir,Iproposenotmerelytomyself
Thepleasuresuchabeautybringswithit;
ButIwouldhavethesoilofherfairrape
Wip’doff,inhonourablekeepingher.
Whattreasonwereittotheransack’dqueen,
Disgracetoyourgreatworths,andshametome,
Now,todeliverherpossessionup,
Ontermsofbasecompulsion!Canitbe
Thatsodegenerateastrainasthis
Shouldoncesetfootinginyourgenerousbosoms?
There’snotthemeanestspiritonourparty
Withoutahearttodareorswordtodraw
WhenHelenisdefended,nornonesonoble
Whoselifewereillbestow’dordeathunfam’d
WhereHelenisthesubject:then,Isay,
Wellmaywefightforher,whom,weknowwell,
Theworld’slargespacescannotparallel.
HECTOR.ParisandTroilus,youhavebothsaidwell;
Andonthecauseandquestionnowinhand
Havegloz’d,butsuperficially;notmuch
Unlikeyoungmen,whomAristotlethought
Unfittohearmoralphilosophy.
Thereasonsyouallegedomoreconduce
Tothehotpassionofdistemper ’dblood
Thantomakeupafreedetermination
’Twixtrightandwrong;forpleasureandrevenge
Haveearsmoredeafthanadderstothevoice
Ofanytruedecision.Naturecraves
Allduesberender ’dtotheirowners:now,
Whatnearerdebtinallhumanity
Thanwifeistothehusband?ifthislaw
Ofnaturebecorruptedthroughaffection,
Andthatgreatminds,ofpartialindulgence
Totheirbenumbedwills,resistthesame;
Thereisalawineachwell-order ’dnation
Tocurbthoseragingappetitesthatare
Mostdisobedientandrefractory.
IfHelenthenbewifetoSparta’sking,
Asitisknownsheis,thesemorallaws
Ofnature,andofnations,speakaloud
Tohaveherbackreturn’d:thustopersist
Indoingwrongextenuatesnotwrong,
Butmakesitmuchmoreheavy.Hector ’sopinion
Isthis,inwayoftruth;yet,ne’ertheless,
Myspritelybrethren,Ipropendtoyou
InresolutiontokeepHelenstill;
For’tisacausethathathnomeandependance
Uponourjointandseveraldignities.
TROILUS.Why,thereyoutouch’dthelifeofourdesign:
Wereitnotglorythatwemoreaffected
Thantheperformanceofourheavingspleens,
IwouldnotwishadropofTrojanblood
Spentmoreinherdefence.But,worthyHector,
Sheisathemeofhonourandrenown,
Aspurtovaliantandmagnanimousdeeds,
Whosepresentcouragemaybeatdownourfoes,
Andfameintimetocomecanonizeus;
For,Ipresume,braveHectorwouldnotlose
Sorichadvantageofapromis’dglory
Assmilesupontheforeheadofthisaction
Forthewideworld’srevenue.
HECTOR.Iamyours,
YouvaliantoffspringofgreatPriamus.
Ihavearoistingchallengesentamongst
ThedullandfactiousnoblesoftheGreeks
Willstrikeamazementtotheirdrowsyspirits.
Iwasadvertis’dtheirgreatgeneralslept
Whilstemulationinthearmycrept:
This,Ipresume,willwakehim.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
TheGrecianCamp.BeforeAchilles’Tent.
EnterThersites
THERSITES.Hownow,Thersites!what,lostinthelabyrinth
ofthyfury!ShalltheelephantAjaxcarryitthus?he
beatsme,andIrailathim:Oworthysatisfaction!
Woulditwereotherwise;thatIcouldbeathim,whilst
herailedatme.’Sfoot,I’lllearntoconjureandraise
devils,butI’llseesomeissueofmyspitefulexecrations.
Thenthere’sAchilles,arareenginer.IfTroybenot
takentillthesetwoundermineit,thewallswillstand
tilltheyfallofthemselves.O!thougreatthunder-darter
ofOlympus,forgetthatthouartJovethekingofgods,
and,Mercury,losealltheserpentinecraftofthycaduceus,ifyetakenotthatlittlelittlelessthanlittlewit
fromthemthattheyhave;whichshort-armedignorance
itselfknowsissoabundantscarceitwillnotincircumventiondeliveraflyfromaspider,withoutdrawing
theirmassyironsandcuttingtheweb.Afterthis,the
vengeanceonthewholecamp!or,rather,theNeapolitan
bone-ache!forthat,methinks,isthecursedependanton
thosethatwarforaplacket.Ihavesaidmyprayers,and
devilEnvysayAmen.What,ho!myLordAchilles!
EnterPatroclus
PATROCLUS.Who’sthere?Thersites!GoodThersites,come
inandrail.
THERSITES.IfIcouldhaverememberedagiltcounterfeit,
thouwouldstnothaveslippedoutofmycontemplation:
butitisnomatter;thyselfuponthyself!Thecommon
curseofmankind,follyandignorance,bethineingreat
revenue!heavenblesstheefromatutor,anddiscipline
comenotnearthee!Letthybloodbethydirectiontill
thydeath!then,ifshethatlaystheeoutsaysthouart
afaircorpse,I’llbeswornandswornupon’tshenever
shroudedanybutlazars.Amen.Where’sAchilles?
PATROCLUS.What!arethoudevout?wastthouinprayer?
THERSITES.Ay;theheavenshearme!
EnterAchilles
ACHILLES.Who’sthere?
PATROCLUS.Thersites,mylord.
ACHILLES.Where,where?Artthoucome?Why,my
cheese,mydigestion,whyhastthounotservedthyself
intomytablesomanymeals?Come,What’sAgamemnon?
THERSITES.Thycommander,Achilles.Thentellme,Patro-
clus,What’sAchilles?
PATROCLUS.Thylord,Thersites.Thentellme,Ipraythee,
What’sthyself?
THERSITES.Thyknower,Patroclus.Thentellme,Patro-
clus,whatarethou?
PATROCLUS.Thoumaysttellthatknowest.
ACHILLES.O!tell,tell.
THERSITES.I’lldeclinethewholequestion.Agamemnon
commandsAchilles;Achillesismylord;IamPatroclus’
knower;andPatroclusisafool.
PATROCLUS.Yourascal!
THERSITES.Peace,fool!Ihavenotdone.
ACHILLES.Heisaprivilegedman.Proceed,Thersites.
THERSITES.Agamemnonisafool;Achillesisafool;Ther-
sitesisafool;and,asaforesaid,Patroclusisafool.
ACHILLES.Derivethis;come.
THERSITES.Agamemnonisafooltooffertocommand
Achilles;AchillesisafooltobecommandedofAgamemnon;Thersitesisafooltoservesuchafool;and
Patroclusisafoolpositive.
PATROCLUS.WhyamIafool?
THERSITES.MakethatdemandtotheCreator.Itsuffices
methouart.Lookyou,whocomeshere?
ACHILLES.Patroclus,I’llspeakwithnobody.Comeinwithme,
Thersites.Exit
THERSITES.Hereissuchpatchery,suchjuggling,andsuch
knavery!alltheargumentisacuckoldandawhore;a
goodquarreltodrawemulousfactionsandbleedto
deathupon.Now,thedryserpigoonthesubject!and
warandlecheryconfoundall!Exit
EnterAgamemnon,Ulysses,Nestor,Diomedes,andAjax.
AGAMEMNON .WhereisAchilles?
PATROCLUS.Withinhistent;butill-dispos’d,mylord.
AGAMEMNON .Letitbeknowntohimthatwearehere.
Heshentourmessengers;andwelayby
Ourappertainments,visitingofhim:
Lethimbetoldso;lestperchancehethink
Wedarenotmovethequestionofourplace,
Orknownotwhatweare.
PATROCLUS.Ishallsaysotohim.Exit
ULYSSES.Wesawhimattheopeningofhistent:
Heisnotsick.
AJAX.Yes,lion-sick,sickofproudheart:youmaycallit
melancholyifyouwillfavourtheman;but,bymyhead,
’tispride:butwhy,why?lethimshowusacause.A
word,mylord.TakesAgamemnonaside
NESTOR.WhatmovesAjaxthustobayathim?
ULYSSES.Achilleshathinveigledhisfoolfromhim.
NESTOR.Who,Thersites?
ULYSSES.He.
NESTOR.ThenwillAjaxlackmatter,ifhehavelosthis
argument.
ULYSSES.No;yousee,heishisargumentthathashisar-
gument,Achilles.
NESTOR.Allthebetter;theirfractionismoreourwishthan
theirfaction:butitwasastrongcomposureafoolcould
disunite.
ULYSSES.Theamitythatwisdomknitsnot,follymayeasily
untie.HerecomesPatroclus.
Re-enterPatroclus
NESTOR.NoAchilleswithhim.
ULYSSES.Theelephanthathjoints,butnoneforcourtesy:
hislegsarelegsfornecessity,notforflexure.
PATROCLUS.Achillesbidsmesay,heismuchsorry
Ifanythingmorethanyoursportandpleasure
Didmoveyourgreatnessandthisnoblestate
Tocalluponhim;hehopesitisnoother
But,foryourhealthandyourdigestionsake,
Anafter-dinner ’sbreath.
AGAMEMNON .Hearyou,Patroclus:
Wearetoowellacquaintedwiththeseanswers:
Buthisevasion,wing’dthusswiftwithscorn,
Cannotoutflyourapprehensions.
Muchattributehehath,andmuchthereason
Whyweascribeittohim;yetallhisvirtues,
Notvirtuouslyonhisownpartbeheld,
Doinoureyesbegintolosetheirgloss,
Yea,likefairfruitinanunwholesomedish,
Areliketorotuntasted.Goandtellhim,
Wecometospeakwithhim;andyoushallnotsin
Ifyoudosaywethinkhimover-proud
Andunder-honest,inself-assumptiongreater
Thaninthenoteofjudgment;andworthierthanhimself
Heretendthesavagestrangenessheputson,
Disguisetheholystrengthoftheircommand,
Andunderwriteinanobservingkind
Hishumorouspredominance;yea,watch
Hispettishlunes,hisebbs,hisflows,asif
Thepassageandwholecarriageofthisaction
Rodeonhistide.Gotellhimthis,andadd,
Thatifheoverholdhispricesomuch,
We’llnoneofhim;butlethim,likeanengine
Notportable,lieunderthisreport:
‘Bringactionhither,thiscannotgotowar.’
Astirringdwarfwedoallowancegive
Beforeasleepinggiant:tellhimso.
PATROCLUS.Ishall;andbringhisanswerpresently.Exit
AGAMEMNON .Insecondvoicewe’llnotbesatisfied;
Wecometospeakwithhim.Ulysses,enteryou.
ExitUlysses
AJAX.Whatishemorethananother?
AGAMEMNON .Nomorethanwhathethinksheis.
AJAX.Ishesomuch?Doyounotthinkhethinkshimself
abettermanthanIam?
AGAMEMNON .Noquestion.
AJAX.Willyousubscribehisthought,andsayheis?
AGAMEMNON .No,nobleAjax;youareasstrong,asvaliant,
aswise,nolessnoble,muchmoregentle,andaltogether
moretractable.
AJAX.Whyshouldamanbeproud?Howdothpride
grow?Iknownotwhatprideis.
AGAMEMNON .Yourmindistheclearer,Ajax,andyourvir-
tuesthefairer.Hethatisproudeatsuphimself:pride
ishisownglass,hisowntrumpet,hisownchronicle;
andwhateverpraisesitselfbutinthedeed,devoursthe
deedinthepraise.
AJAX.Idohateaproudman,asIhatetheengendering
oftoads.
NESTOR.(Aside)Yetheloveshimself:is’tnotstrange?
Re-enterUlysses
ULYSSES.Achilleswillnottothefieldto-morrow.
AGAMEMNON .What’shisexcuse?
ULYSSES.Hedothrelyonnone,
Butcarriesonthestreamofhisdispose
Withoutobservanceorrespectofany,
Inwillpeculiarandinself-admission.
AGAMEMNON .Whywillhenotuponourfairrequest
Untenthispersonandsharetheairwithus?
ULYSSES.Thingssmallasnothing,forrequest’ssakeonly,
Hemakesimportant:possess’dheiswithgreatness,
Andspeaksnottohimselfbutwithapride
Thatquarrelsatself-breath:imagin’dworth
Holdsinhisbloodsuchswolnandhotdiscourse,
That’twixthismentalandhisactiveparts
Kingdom’dAchillesincommotionrages
Andbattersdownhimself:whatshouldIsay?
Heissoplaguyproud,thatthedeath-tokensofit
Cry‘Norecovery.’
AGAMEMNON .LetAjaxgotohim.
Dearlord,goyouandmeethiminhistent:
’Tissaidheholdsyouwell,andwillbeled
Atyourrequestalittlefromhimself.
ULYSSES.OAgamemnon!letitnotbeso.
We’llconsecratethestepsthatAjaxmakes
WhentheygofromAchilles:shalltheproudlord
Thatbasteshisarrogancewithhisownseam,
Andneversuffersmatteroftheworld
Enterhisthoughts,savesuchasdorevolve
Andruminatehimself,shallhebeworshipp’d
Ofthatweholdanidolmorethanhe?
No,thisthrice-worthyandrightvaliantlord
Mustnotsostalehispalm,noblyacquir ’d;
Nor,bymywill,assubjugatehismerit,
AsamplytitledasAchillesis,
BygoingtoAchilles:
Thatweretoenlardhisfat-alreadypride,
AndaddmorecoalstoCancerwhenheburns
WithentertaininggreatHyperion.
Thislordgotohim!Jupiterforbid,
Andsayinthunder,‘Achillesgotohim.’
NESTOR.(Aside)O!thisiswell;herubstheveinofhim.
DIOMEDES.(Aside)Andhowhissilencedrinksupthisap-
plause!
AJAX.IfIgotohim,withmyarmedfist
I’llpashhimo’ertheface.
AGAMEMNON .O,no!youshallnotgo.
AJAX.Ana’beproudwithme,I’llpheezehispride.
Letmegotohim.
ULYSSES.Notfortheworththathangsuponourquarrel.
AJAX.Apaltry,insolentfellow!
NESTOR.(Aside)Howhedescribeshimself!
AJAX.Canhenotbesociable?
ULYSSES.(Aside)Theravenchidesblackness.
AJAX.I’lllethishumoursblood.
AGAMEMNON .(Aside)Hewillbethephysicianthatshould
bethepatient.
AJAX.Anallmenwereo’mymind,—
ULYSSES.(Aside)Witwouldbeoutoffashion.
AJAX.A’shouldnotbearitso,a’shouldeatswordsfirst:
shallpridecarryit?
NESTOR.(Aside)An’twould,you’dcarryhalf.
ULYSSES.(Aside)A’wouldhavetenshares.
AJAX.Iwillkneadhim;Iwillmakehimsupple.
NESTOR.(Aside)He’snotyetthroughwarm:forcehim
withpraises:pourin,pourin;hisambitionisdry.
ULYSSES.(ToAgamemnon)Mylord,youfeedtoomuch
onthisdislike.
NESTOR.Ournoblegeneral,donotdoso.
DIOMEDES.YoumustpreparetofightwithoutAchilles.
ULYSSES.Why,’tisthisnamingofhimdoeshimharm.
Hereisaman—but’tisbeforehisface
Iwillbesilent.
NESTOR.Whereforeshouldyouso?
Heisnotemulous,asAchillesis.
ULYSSES.Knowthewholeworld,heisasvaliant.
AJAX.Awhoresondog,thatshallpalterthuswithus!
WouldhewereaTrojan!
NESTOR.WhatavicewereitinAjaxnow,—
ULYSSES.Ifhewereproud,—
DIOMEDES.Orcovetousofpraise,—
ULYSSES.Ay,orsurlyborne,—
DIOMEDES.Orstrange,orself-affected!
ULYSSES.Thanktheheavens,lord,thouartofsweetcom-
posure;
Praisehimthatgotthee,herthatgavetheesuck:
Fam’dbethytutor,andthypartsofnature
Thrice-fam’d,beyondallerudition:
Buthethatdisciplin’dthyarmstofight,
LetMarsdivideeternityintwain,
Andgivehimhalf:and,forthyvigour,
Bull-bearingMilohisadditionyield
TosinewyAjax.Iwillnotpraisethywisdom,
Which,likeabourn,apale,ashore,confines
Thyspaciousanddilatedparts:here’sNestor
Instructedbytheantiquarytimes,
Hemust,heis,hecannotbutbewise;
Butpardon,fatherNestor,wereyourdays
AsgreenasAjax,andyourbrainsotemper ’d,
Youshouldnothavetheeminenceofhim,
ButbeasAjax.
AJAX.ShallIcallyoufather?
ULYSSES.Ay,mygoodson.
DIOMEDES.Berul’dbyhim,LordAjax.
ULYSSES.Thereisnotarryinghere;thehartAchilles
Keepsthicket.Pleaseitourgreatgeneral
Tocalltogetherallhisstateofwar;
FreshkingsarecometoTroy:to-morrow,
Wemustwithallourmainofpowerstandfast:
AndHere’salord,—comeknightsfromeasttowest,
Andculltheirflower,Ajaxshallcopethebest.
AGAMEMNON .Gowetocouncil.LetAchillessleep:
Lightboatssailswift,thoughgreaterhulksdrawdeep.
Exeunt
ACTTHREE
SCENEONE
Troy.Priam’sPalace.
EnterPandarusandaServant
PANDARUS.Friend!you!prayyou,aword:donotyoufollowtheyoungLordParis?
SERVANT.Ay,sir,whenhegoesbeforeme.
PANDARUS.Youdependuponhim,Imean?
SERVANT.Sir,IdodependupontheLord.
PANDARUS.Youdependuponanoblegentleman;Imust
needspraisehim.
SERVANT.TheLordbepraised!
PANDARUS.Youknowme,doyounot?
SERVANT.Faith,sir,superficially.
PANDARUS.Friend,knowmebetter,IamtheLordPan-
darus.
SERVANT.IhopeIshallknowyourhonourbetter.
PANDARUS.Idodesireit.
SERVANT.Youareinthestateofgrace.
PANDARUS.Grace!notso,friend;honourandlordshipare
mytitles.(Musicwithin)Whatmusicisthis?
SERVANT.Idobutpartlyknow,sir:itismusicinparts.
PANDARUS.Knowyouthemusicians?
SERVANT.Wholly,sir.
PANDARUS.Whoplaytheyto?
SERVANT.Tothehearers,sir.
PANDARUS.Atwhosepleasure,friend?
SERVANT.Atmine,sir,andtheirsthatlovemusic.
PANDARUS.Command,Imean,friend.
SERVANT.WhoshallIcommand,sir?
PANDARUS.Friend,weunderstandnotoneanother:Iam
toocourtly,andthouarttoocunning.Atwhoserequest
dothesemenplay?
SERVANT.That’sto’t,indeed,sir.Marry,sir,attherequest
ofParismylord,whoisthereinperson;withhimthe
mortalVenus,theheart-bloodofbeauty,love’sinvisible
soul.
PANDARUS.Who,mycousinCressida?
SERVANT.No,sir,Helen:couldyounotfindoutthatby
herattributes?
PANDARUS.Itshouldseem,fellow,thatthouhastnotseen
theLadyCressida.IcometospeakwithParisfromthe
PrinceTroilus:Iwillmakeacomplimentalassaultupon
him,formybusinessseethes.
SERVANT.Soddenbusiness:there’sastewedphrase,in-
deed.
EnterParisandHelen,attended
PANDARUS.Fairbetoyou,mylord,andtoallthisfair
company!fairdesires,inallfairmeasures,fairlyguide
them!especiallytoyou,fairqueen!fairthoughtsbeyour
fairpillow!
HELEN .Dearlord,youarefulloffairwords.
PANDARUS.Youspeakyourfairpleasure,sweetqueen.Fair
prince,hereisgoodbrokenmusic.
PARIS.Youhavebrokeit,cousin;and,bymylife,youshall
makeitwholeagain:youshallpieceitoutwithapiece
ofyourperformance.Nell,heisfullofharmony.
PANDARUS.Truly,lady,no.
HELEN .O,sir!
PANDARUS.Rude,insooth;ingoodsooth,veryrude.
PARIS.Wellsaid,mylord!Well,yousaysoinfits.
PANDARUS.Ihavebusinesstomylord,dearqueen.My
lord,willyouvouchsafemeaword?
HELEN .Nay,thisshallnothedgeusout:we’llhearyou
sing,certainly.
PANDARUS.Well,sweetqueen,youarepleasantwithme.
But,marry,thus,mylord.Mydearlordandmostesteemedfriend,yourbrotherTroilus—
HELEN .MylordPandarus;honey-sweetlord,—
PANDARUS.Goto,sweetqueen,goto:commendshimself
mostaffectionatelytoyou.
HELEN .Youshallnotbobusoutofourmelody:ifyoudo,
ourmelancholyuponyourhead!
PANDARUS.Sweetqueen,sweetqueen!that’sasweet
queen,i’faith.
HELEN .Andtomakeasweetladysadisasouroffence.
PANDARUS.Nay,thatshallnotserveyourturn;thatshallit
not,intruth,la!Nay,Icarenotforsuchwords:no,no.
And,mylord,hedesiresyou,thatifthekingcallforhim
atsupper,youwillmakehisexcuse.
HELEN .MyLordPandarus,—
PANDARUS.Whatsaysmysweetqueen,myverysweet
queen?
PARIS.Whatexploit’sinhand?wheresupsheto-night?
HELEN .Nay,butmylord,—
PANDARUS.Whatsaysmysweetqueen!Mycousinwillfall
outwithyou.Youmustknowwherehesups.
PARIS.I’lllaymylife,withmydisposerCressida.
PANDARUS.No,no,nosuchmatter;youarewide.Come,
yourdisposerissick.
PARIS.Well,I’llmakeexcuse.
PANDARUS.Ay,goodmylord.WhyshouldyousayCres-
sida?no,yourpoordisposer ’ssick.
PARIS.Ispy.
PANDARUS.Youspy!whatdoyouspy?Come,givemean
instrument.Now,sweetqueen.
HELEN .Why,thisiskindlydone.
PANDARUS.Mynieceishorriblyinlovewithathingyou
have,sweetqueen.
HELEN .Sheshallhaveit,mylord,ifitbenotmyLord
Paris.
PANDARUS.He!no,she’llnoneofhim;theytwoaretwain.
HELEN .Fallingin,afterfallingout,maymakethemthree.
PANDARUS.Come,come,I’llhearnomoreofthis.I’llsing
youasongnow.
HELEN .Ay,ay,pritheenow.Bymytroth,sweetlord,thou
hastafineforehead.
PANDARUS.Ay,youmay,youmay.
HELEN .Letthysongbelove:thislovewillundousall.O
Cupid,Cupid,Cupid!
PANDARUS.Love!ay,thatitshall,i’faith.
PARIS.Ay,goodnow,love,love,nothingbutlove.
PANDARUS.Ingoodtroth,itbeginsso:
(Sings)
Love,love,nothingbutlove,stillmore!
For,oh!love’sbow
Shootsbuckanddoe:
Theshaftconfounds,
Notthatitwounds,
Butticklesstillthesore.
TheseloverscryO!O!theydie!
Yetthatwhichseemsthewoundtokill,
DothturnO!O!toha!ha!he!
Sodyinglovelivesstill:
O!O!awhile,butha!ha!ha!
O!O!groansoutforha!ha!ha!
Heigh-ho!
HELEN .Inlove,i’faith,totheverytipofthenose.
PARIS.Heeatsnothingbutdoves,love;andthatbreeds
hotblood,andhotbloodbegetshotthoughts,andhot
thoughtsbegethotdeeds,andhotdeedsislove.
PANDARUS.Isthisthegenerationoflove?hotblood?hot
thoughts,andhotdeeds?Why,theyarevipers:islovea
generationofvipers?Sweetlord,who’sa-fieldto-day?
PARIS.Hector,Deiphobus,Helenus,Antenor,andallthe
gallantryofTroy:Iwouldfainhavearmedto-day,but
myNellwouldnothaveitso.Howchancemybrother
Troiluswentnot?
HELEN .Hehangsthelipatsomething:youknowall,Lord
Pandarus.
PANDARUS.NotI,honey-sweetqueen.Ilongtohearhow
theyspedto-day.You’llrememberyourbrother ’sexcuse?
PARIS.Toahair.
PANDARUS.Farewell,sweetqueen.
HELEN .Commendmetoyourniece.
PANDARUS.Iwill,sweetqueen.Exit.Aretreatsounded
PARIS.They’recomefromfield:letustoPriam’shall
Togreetthewarriors.SweetHelen,Imustwooyou
TohelpunarmourHector:hisstubbornbuckles,
Withtheseyourwhiteenchantingfingerstouch’d,
Shallmoreobeythantotheedgeofsteel
OrforceofGreekishsinews;youshalldomore
Thanalltheislandkings,—disarmgreatHector.
HELEN .’Twillmakeusproudtobehisservant,Paris;
Yea,whatheshallreceiveofusinduty
Givesusmorepalminbeautythanwehave,
Yea,overshinesourself.
PARIS.Sweet,abovethoughtIlovethee.Exeunt
SCENETWO
TheSame.Pandarus’Orchard.
EnterPandarusandTroilus’Boy,meeting
PANDARUS.Hownow!where’sthymaster?atmycousin
Cressida’s?
BOY.No,sir:hestaysforyoutoconducthimthither.
EnterTroilus
PANDARUS.O!herehecomes.Hownow,hownow!
TROILUS.Sirrah,walkoff.ExitBoy
PANDARUS.Haveyouseenmycousin?
TROILUS.No,Pandarus:Istalkaboutherdoor,
LikeastrangesoulupontheStygianbanks
Stayingforwaftage.O!bethoumyCharon,
Andgivemeswifttransportancetothosefields
WhereImaywallowinthelily-beds
Propos’dforthedeserver!OgentlePandarus!
FromCupid’sshoulderpluckhispaintedwings,
AndflywithmetoCressid.
PANDARUS.Walkherei’theorchard.I’llbringherstraight.
Exit
TROILUS.Iamgiddy,expectationwhirlsmeround.
Theimaginaryrelishissosweet
Thatitenchantsmysense.Whatwillitbe
Whenthatthewaterypalatetastesindeed
Love’sthrice-repurednectar?death,Ifearme,
Swoundingdestruction,orsomejoytoofine,
Toosubtle-potent,tun’dtoosharpinsweetness
Forthecapacityofmyruderpowers:
Ifearitmuch;andIdofearbesides
ThatIshalllosedistinctioninmyjoys;
Asdothabattle,whentheychargeonheaps
Theenemyflying.
Re-enterPandarus
PANDARUS.She’smakingherready:she’llcomestraight:
youmustbewittynow.Shedoessoblush,andfetches
herwindsoshort,asifshewerefrayedwithasprite:I’ll
fetchher.Itistheprettiestvillain:shefetchesher
breathasshortasanew-ta’ensparrow.Exit
TROILUS.Evensuchapassiondothembracemybosom;
Myheartbeatsthickerthanafeverouspulse;
Andallmypowersdotheirbestowinglose,
Likevassalageatunawaresencountering
Theeyeofmajesty.
Re-enterPandaruswithCressida
PANDARUS.Come,come,whatneedyoublush?shame’sa
baby.Heresheisnow:sweartheoathsnowtoherthat
youhavesworntome.What!areyougoneagain?you
mustbewatchedereyoubemadetame,mustyou?
Comeyourways,comeyourways;anyoudrawbackward,we’llputyoui’thefills.Whydoyounotspeakto
her?Come,drawthiscurtain,andlet’sseeyourpicture.
Alastheday,howloathyouaretooffendday-light!an
’tweredark,you’dclosesooner.So,so;rubon,andkiss
themistress.Hownow!akissinfee-farm!buildthere,
carpenter;theairissweet.Nay,youshallfightyour
heartsoutereIpartyou.Thefalconasthetercel,forall
theducksi’theriver:goto,goto.
TROILUS.Youhavebereftmeofallwords,lady.
PANDARUS.Wordspaynodebts,giveherdeeds;butshe’ll
bereaveyouofthedeedstooifshecallyouractivityin
question.What!billingagain?Here’s‘Inwitnesswhereofthepartiesinterchangeably’—Comein,comein:I’ll
gogetafire.Exit
CRESSIDA.Willyouwalkin,mylord?
TROILUS.OCressida!howoftenhaveIwishedmethus!
CRESSIDA.Wished,mylord!Thegodsgrant,—Omylord!
TROILUS.Whatshouldtheygrant?whatmakesthispretty
abruption?Whattoocuriousdregespiesmysweetlady
inthefountainofourlove?
CRESSIDA.Moredregsthanwater,ifmyfearshaveeyes.
TROILUS.Fearsmakedevilsofcherubins;theyneversee
truly.
CRESSIDA.Blindfear,thatseeingreasonleads,findssafer
footingthanblindreasonstumblingwithoutfear:tofear
theworstoftcurestheworse.
TROILUS.O!letmyladyapprehendnofear:inallCupid’s
pageantthereispresentednomonster.
CRESSIDA.Nornothingmonstrousneither?
TROILUS.Nothingbutourundertakings;whenwevowto
weepseas,liveinfire,eatrocks,tametigers;thinkingit
harderforourmistresstodeviseimpositionenoughthan
forustoundergoanydifficultyimposed.Thisisthe
monstruosityinlove,lady,thatthewillisinfinite,andthe
executionconfined;thatthedesireisboundless,and
theactaslavetolimit.
CRESSIDA.Theysayallloversswearmoreperformance
thantheyareable,andyetreserveanabilitythatthey
neverperform;vowingmorethantheperfectionoften
anddischarginglessthanthetenthpartofone.They
thathavethevoiceoflionsandtheactofhares,arethey
notmonsters?
TROILUS.Aretheresuch?sucharenotwe.Praiseusaswe
aretasted,allowusasweprove;ourheadshallgobare,
tillmeritcrownit.Noperfectioninreversionshallhave
apraiseinpresent:wewillnotnamedesertbeforehis
birth,and,beingborn,hisadditionshallbehumble.
Fewwordstofairfaith:TroilusshallbesuchtoCressid,
aswhatenvycansayworstshallbeamockforhistruth;
andwhattruthcanspeaktruestnottruerthanTroilus.
CRESSIDA.Willyouwalkin,mylord?
Re-enterPandarus
PANDARUS.What!blushingstill?haveyounotdonetalking
yet?
CRESSIDA.Well,uncle,whatfollyIcommit,Idedicateto
you.
PANDARUS.Ithankyouforthat:ifmylordgetaboyof
you,you’llgivehimme.Betruetomylord;ifheflinch,
chidemeforit.
TROILUS.Youknownowyourhostages;youruncle’sword,
andmyfirmfaith.
PANDARUS.Nay,I’llgivemywordforhertoo.Ourkindred,
thoughtheybelongeretheyarewooed,theyareconstantbeingwon:theyareburrs,Icantellyou;they’ll
stickwheretheyarethrown.
CRESSIDA.Boldnesscomestomenow,andbringsmeheart:
PrinceTroilus,Ihavelov’dyounightandday
Formanywearymonths.
TROILUS.WhywasmyCressidthensohardtowin?
CRESSIDA.Hardtoseemwon;butIwaswon,mylord,
Withthefirstglancethatever—pardonme—
IfIconfessmuchyouwillplaythetyrant.
Iloveyounow;but,tillnow,notsomuch
ButImightmasterit:infaith,Ilie;
Mythoughtswerelikeunbridledchildren,grown
Tooheadstrongfortheirmother.See,wefools!
WhyhaveIblabb’d?whoshallbetruetous
Whenwearesounsecrettoourselves?
But,thoughIlov’dyouwell,Iwoo’dyounot;
Andyet,goodfaith,Iwish’dmyselfaman,
Orthatwewomenhadmen’sprivilege
Ofspeakingfirst.Sweet,bidmeholdmytongue;
ForinthisraptureIshallsurelyspeak
ThethingIshallrepent.See,see!yoursilence,
Cunningindumbness,frommyweaknessdraws
Myverysoulofcounsel.Stopmymouth.
TROILUS.Andshall,albeitsweetmusicissuesthence.
PANDARUS.Pretty,i’faith.
CRESSIDA.Mylord,Idobeseechyou,pardonme;
’Twasnotmypurposethustobegakiss:
Iamasham’d:Oheavens!whathaveIdone?
ForthistimewillItakemyleave,mylord.
TROILUS.Yourleave,sweetCressid?
PANDARUS.Leave!anyoutakeleavetillto-morrowmorn-
ing,—
CRESSIDA.Prayyou,contentyou.
TROILUS.Whatoffendsyou,lady?
CRESSIDA.Sir,mineowncompany.
TROILUS.Youcannotshunyourself.
CRESSIDA.Letmegoandtry:
Ihaveakindofselfresideswithyou;
Butanunkindself,thatitselfwillleave,
Tobeanother ’sfool.Iwouldbegone:
Whereismywit?IspeakIknownotwhat.
TROILUS.Wellknowtheywhattheyspeakthatspeakso
wisely.
CRESSIDA.Perchance,mylord,Ishowmorecraftthanlove;
Andfellsoroundlytoalargeconfession,
Toangleforyourthoughts:butyouarewise,
Orelseyoulovenot,fortobewise,andlove,
Exceedsman’smight;thatdwellswithgodsabove.
TROILUS.O!thatIthoughtitcouldbeinawoman—
AsifitcanIwillpresumeinyou—
Tofeedforayeherlampandflamesoflove;
Tokeepherconstancyinplightandyouth.
Outlivingbeauty’soutward,withamind
Thatdothrenewswifterthanblooddecays:
Orthatpersuasioncouldbutthusconvinceme,
Thatmyintegrityandtruthtoyou
Mightbeaffrontedwiththematchandweight
Ofsuchawinnow’dpurityinlove;
HowwereIthenuplifted!but,alas!
Iamastrueastruth’ssimplicity,
Andsimplerthantheinfancyoftruth.
CRESSIDA.InthatI’llwarwithyou.
TROILUS.Ovirtuousfight!
Whenrightwithrightwars,whoshallbemostright?
Trueswainsinloveshallintheworldtocome
ApprovetheirtruthsbyTroilus:whentheirrimes,
Fullofprotest,ofoath,andbigcompare,
Wantsimiles,truthtir ’dwithiteration,
Astrueassteel,asplantagetothemoon,
Assuntoday,asturtletohermate,
Asirontoadamant,asearthtothecentre,
Yet,afterallcomparisonsoftruth,
Astruth’sauthenticauthortobecited,
‘AstrueasTroilus’shallcrownuptheverse
Andsanctifythenumbers.
CRESSIDA.Prophetmayyoube!
IfIbefalse,orswerveahairfromtruth,
Whentimeisoldandhathforgotitself,
WhenwaterdropshavewornthestonesofTroy,
Andblindoblivionswallow’dcitiesup,
Andmightystatescharacterlessaregrated
Todustynothing,yetletmemory,
Fromfalsetofalse,amongfalsemaidsinlove
Upbraidmyfalsehood!whentheyhavesaid‘asfalse
Asair,aswater,wind,orsandyearth,
Asfoxtolamb,aswolftoheifer ’scalf,
Pardtothehind,orstepdametoherson;’
Yea,letthemsay,tosticktheheartoffalsehood,
‘AsfalseasCressid.’
PANDARUS.Goto,abargainmade;sealit,sealit:I’ll
bethewitness.HereIholdyourhand,heremycousin’s.Ifever
youprovefalseonetoanother,sinceIhavetakensuch
painstobringyoutogether,letallpitifulgoers-between
becalledtotheworld’sendaftermyname;callthemall
Pandars;letallconstantmenbeTroiluses,allfalse
womenCressids,andallbrokers-betweenPandars!say
Amen.
TROILUS.Amen.
CRESSIDA.Amen.
PANDARUS.Amen.WhereuponIwillshowyouachamber
andabed;whichbed,becauseitshallnotspeakofyour
prettyencounters,pressittodeath:away!
AndCupidgrantalltongue-tiedmaidenshere
Bed,chamber,Pandartoprovidethisgear!Exeunt
SCENETHREE
TheGrecianCamp.
EnterAgamemnon,Ulysses,Diomedes,Nestor,Ajax,
Menelaus,andCalchas
CALCHAS.Now,princes,fortheserviceIhavedoneyou,
Theadvantageofthetimepromptsmealoud
Tocallforrecompense.Appearittoyourmind
ThatthroughthesightIbearinthingstolove,
Ihaveabandon’dTroy,leftmypossession,
Incurr ’datraitor ’sname;expos’dmyself,
Fromcertainandpossess’dconveniences,
Todoubtfulfortunes;sequesteringfrommeall
Thattime,acquaintance,custom,andcondition
Madetameandmostfamiliartomynature;
Andhere,todoyouservice,havebecome
Asnewintotheworld,strange,unacquainted:
Idobeseechyou,asinwayoftaste,
Togivemenowalittlebenefit,
Outofthosemanyregister ’dinpromise,
Which,yousay,livetocomeinmybehalf.
AGAMEMNON .Whatwouldstthouofus,Trojan?make
demand.
CALCHAS.YouhaveaTrojanprisoner,call’dAntenor,
Yesterdaytook:Troyholdshimverydear.
Ofthaveyou—oftenhaveyouthankstherefore—
Desir ’dmyCressidinrightgreatexchange,
WhomTroyhathstilldenied;butthisAntenor
Iknowissuchawrestintheiraffairs
Thattheirnegotiationsallmustslack,
Wantinghismanage;andtheywillalmost
Giveusaprinceofblood,asonofPriam,
Inchangeofhim:lethimbesent,greatprinces,
Andheshallbuymydaughter;andherpresence
ShallquitestrikeoffallserviceIhavedone,
Inmostacceptedpain.
AGAMEMNON .LetDiomedesbearhim,
AndbringusCressidhither:Calchasshallhave
Whatherequestsofus.GoodDiomed,
Furnishyoufairlyforthisinterchange:
WithalbringwordifHectorwillto-morrow
Beanswer ’dinhischallenge:Ajaxisready.
DIOMEDES.ThisshallIundertake;and’tisaburden
WhichIamproudtobear.
ExeuntDiomedesandCalchas
EnterAchillesandPatroclus,beforetheirtent
ULYSSES.Achillesstandsintheentranceofhistent:
Pleaseitourgeneraltopassstrangelybyhim,
Asifhewereforgot;and,princesall,
Laynegligentandlooseregarduponhim:
Iwillcomelast.’Tislikehe’llquestionme
Whysuchunplausiveeyesarebentonhim:
Ifso,Ihavederisionmed’cinable
Tousebetweenyourstrangenessandhispride,
Whichhisownwillshallhavedesiretodrink.
Itmaydogood:pridehathnootherglass
Toshowitselfbutpride,forsuppleknees
Feedarroganceandarethepoorman’sfees.
AGAMEMNON .We’llexecuteyourpurpose,andputon
Aformofstrangenessaswepassalong:
Sodoeachlord,andeithergreethimnot,
Orelsedisdainfully,whichshallshakehimmore
Thanifnotlook’don.Iwillleadtheway.
ACHILLES.What!comesthegeneraltospeakwithme?
Youknowmymind;I’llfightnomore’gainstTroy.
AGAMEMNON .WhatsaysAchilles?wouldheaughtwith
us?
NESTOR.Wouldyou,mylord,aughtwiththegeneral?
ACHILLES.No.
NESTOR.Nothing,mylord.
AGAMEMNON .Thebetter.
ExeuntAgamemnonandNestor
ACHILLES.Goodday,goodday.
MENELAUS.Howdoyou?howdoyou?Exit
ACHILLES.What!doesthecuckoldscornme?
AJAX.Hownow,Patroclus?
ACHILLES.Good-morrow,Ajax.
AJAX.Ha?
ACHILLES.Good-morrow.
AJAX.Ay,andgoodnextdaytoo.Exit
ACHILLES.Whatmeanthesefellows?KnowtheynotAchil-
les?
PATROCLUS.Theypassbystrangely:theywereus’dto
bend,
TosendtheirsmilesbeforethemtoAchilles;
Tocomeashumblyastheyus’dtocreep
Toholyaltars.
ACHILLES.What!amIpooroflate?
’Tiscertain,greatness,oncefall’noutwithfortune,
Mustfulloutwithmentoo:whatthedeclin’dis
Heshallassoonreadintheeyesofothers
Asfeelinhisownfall;formen,likebutterflies,
Shownottheirmealywingsbuttothesummer,
Andnotaman,forbeingsimplyman,
Hathanyhonour,buthonourforthosehonours
Thatarewithouthim,asplaces,riches,andfavour,
Prizesofaccidentasoftasmerit:
Whichwhentheyfall,asbeingslipperystanders,
Thelovethatlean’donthemasslipperytoo,
Doonepluckdownanother,andtogether
Dieinthefall.But’tisnotsowithme:
FortuneandIarefriends:Idoenjoy
AtamplepointallthatIdidpossess,
Savethesemen’slooks;whodo,methinks,findout
Somethingnotworthinmesuchrichbeholding
Astheyhaveoftengiven.HereisUlysses:
I’llinterrupthisreading.
Hownow,Ulysses!
ULYSSES.Now,greatThetis’son!
ACHILLES.Whatareyoureading?
ULYSSES.Astrangefellowhere
Writesme,
‘Thatman,howdearlyeverparted,
Howmuchinhaving,orwithoutorin,
Cannotmakeboasttohavethatwhichhehath,
Norfeelsnotwhatheowesbutbyreflection;
Aswhenhisvirtuesshininguponothers
Heatthem,andtheyretortthatheatagain
Tothefirstgiver.’
ACHILLES.Thisisnotstrange,Ulysses!
Thebeautythatisbornehereintheface
Thebearerknowsnot,butcommendsitself
Toothers’eyes:nordoththeeyeitself—
Thatmostpurespiritofsense—beholditself,
Notgoingfromitself;buteyetoeyeoppos’d
Saluteseachotherwitheachother ’sform;
Forspeculationturnsnottoitself
Tillithathtravell’dandismirror ’dthere
Whereitmayseeitself.Thisisnotstrangeatall.
ULYSSES.Idonotstrainattheposition,
Itisfamiliar,butattheauthor ’sdrift;
Whoinhiscircumstanceexpresslyproves
Thatnomanisthelordofanything—
Thoughinandofhimtherebemuchconsisting—
Tillhecommunicatehispartstoothers:
Nordothheofhimselfknowthemforaught
Tillhebeholdthemform’dintheapplause
Wherethey’reextended;who,likeanarch,reverberates
Thevoiceagain,or,likeagateofsteel
Frontingthesun,receivesandrendersback
Hisfigureandhisheat.Iwasmuchraptinthis;
Andapprehendedhereimmediately
TheunknownAjax.
Heavens,whatamanisthere!averyhorse,
Thathasheknowsnotwhat.Nature,whatthingsthere
are,
Mostabjectinregard,anddearinuse!
Whatthingsagainmostdearintheesteem
Andpoorinworth!Nowshallweseeto-morrow,
Anactthatverychancedoththrowuponhim,
Ajaxrenown’d.Oheavens!whatsomemendo;
Whilesomemenleavetodo.
HowsomemencreepinskittishFortune’shall,
Whilesothersplaytheidiotsinhereyes!
Howonemaneatsintoanother ’spride,
Whileprideisfastinginhiswantonness!
ToseetheseGrecianlords!why,evenalready
TheyclapthelubberAjaxontheshoulder,
AsifhisfootwereonbraveHector ’sbreast,
AndgreatTroyshrinking.
ACHILLES.Idobelieveit;fortheypass’dbyme
Asmisersdobybeggars,neithergavetome
Goodwordorlook:what!aremydeedsforgot?
ULYSSES.Timehath,mylord,awalletathisback,
Whereinheputsalmsforoblivion,
Agreat-siz’dmonsterofingratitudes:
Thosescrapsaregooddeedspast;whicharedevour ’d
Asfastastheyaremade,forgotassoon
Asdone:perseverance,dearmylord,
Keepshonourbright:tohavedone,istohang
Quiteoutoffashion,likearustymail
Inmonumentalmockery.Taketheinstantway;
Forhonourtravelsinastraitsonarrow
Whereonebutgoesabreast:keep,then,thepath:
Foremulationhathathousandsons
Thatonebyonepursue:ifyougiveway,
Orhedgeasidefromthedirectforthright,
Liketoanenter ’dtidetheyallrushby
Andleaveyouhindmost;
Or,likeagallanthorsefall’ninfirstrank,
Liethereforpavementtotheabjectrear,
O’errunandtrampledon:thenwhattheydoinpresent,
Thoughlessthanyoursinpast,musto’ertopyours;
Fortimeislikeafashionablehost,
Thatslightlyshakeshispartingguestbythehand,
Andwithhisarmsoutstretch’d,ashewouldfly,
Graspsinthecomer:welcomeeversmiles,
Andfarewellgoesoutsighing.O!letnotvirtueseek
Remunerationforthethingitwas;
Forbeauty,wit,
Highbirth,vigourofbone,desertinservice,
Love,friendship,charity,aresubjectsall
Toenviousandcalumniatingtime.
Onetouchofnaturemakesthewholeworldkin,
Thatallwithoneconsentpraisenew-borngawds,
Thoughtheyaremadeandmouldedofthingspast,
Andgivetodustthatisalittlegilt
Morelaudthangilto’er-dusted.
Thepresenteyepraisesthepresentobject:
Thenmarvelnot,thougreatandcompleteman,
ThatalltheGreeksbegintoworshipAjax;
Sincethingsinmotionsoonercatchtheeye
Thanwhatnotstirs.Thecrywentonceonthee,
Andstillitmight,andyetitmayagain,
Ifthouwouldstnotentombthyselfalive,
Andcasethyreputationinthytent;
Whosegloriousdeeds,butinthesefieldsoflate,
Madeemulousmissions’mongstthegodsthemselves,
AnddravegreatMarstofaction.
ACHILLES.Ofthismyprivacy
Ihavestrongreasons.
ULYSSES.But’gainstyourprivacy
Thereasonsaremorepotentandheroical.
’Tisknown,Achilles,thatyouareinlove
WithoneofPriam’sdaughters.
ACHILLES.Ha!known!
ULYSSES.Isthatawonder?
Theprovidencethat’sinawatchfulstate
KnowsalmosteverygrainofPlutus’gold,
Findsbottomintheuncomprehensivedeeps,
Keepsplacewiththought,andalmost,likethegods,
Doesthoughtsunveilintheirdumbcradles.
Thereisamystery—withwhomrelation
Durstnevermeddle—inthesoulofstate,
Whichhathanoperationmoredivine
Thanbreathorpencangiveexpressureto.
AllthecommercethatyouhavehadwithTroy
Asperfectlyisoursasyours,mylord;
AndbetterwoulditfitAchillesmuch
TothrowdownHectorthanPolyxena;
ButitmustgrieveyoungPyrrhusnowathome,
Whenfameshallinourislandssoundhertrump,
AndalltheGreekishgirlsshalltrippingsing,
‘GreatHector ’ssisterdidAchilleswin,
ButourgreatAjaxbravelybeatdownhim.’
Farewell,mylord:Iasyourloverspeak;
Thefoolslideso’ertheicethatyoushouldbreak.Exit
PATROCLUS.Tothiseffect,Achilles,haveImov’dyou.
Awomanimpudentandmannishgrown
Isnotmoreloath’dthananeffeminateman
Intimeofaction.Istandcondemn’dforthis:
Theythinkmylittlestomachtothewar
Andyourgreatlovetomerestrainsyouthus.
Sweet,rouseyourself;andtheweakwantonCupid
Shallfromyourneckunloosehisamorousfold,
And,likeadew-dropfromthelion’smane,
Beshooktoair.
ACHILLES.ShallAjaxfightwithHector?
PATROCLUS.Ay;andperhapsreceivemuchhonourbyhim.
ACHILLES.Iseemyreputationisatstake;
Myfameisshrewdlygor ’d.
PATROCLUS.O!then,beware;
Thosewoundshealillthatmendogivethemselves;
Omissiontodowhatisnecessary
Sealsacommissiontoablankofdanger;
Anddanger,likeanague,subtlytaints
Eventhenwhenwesitidlyinthesun.
ACHILLES.GocallThersiteshither,sweetPatroclus:
I’llsendthefooltoAjaxanddesirehim
T’invitetheTrojanlordsafterthecombat
Toseeushereunarmed.Ihaveawoman’slonging,
AnappetitethatIamsickwithal,
ToseegreatHectorinhisweedsofpeace;
Totalkwithhimandtobeholdhisvisage,
Eventomyfullofview.Alaboursav’d!
EnterThersites
THERSITES.Awonder!
ACHILLES.What?
THERSITES.Ajaxgoesupanddownthefield,askingfor
himself.
ACHILLES.Howso?
THERSITES.Hemustfightsinglyto-morrowwithHector,
andissopropheticallyproudofanheroicalcudgelling
thatheravesinsayingnothing.
ACHILLES.Howcanthatbe?
THERSITES.Why,hestalksupanddownlikeapeacock,a
strideandastand;ruminateslikeahostessthathathno
arithmeticbutherbraintosetdownherreckoning;bites
hislipwithapoliticregard,aswhoshouldsay‘There
werewitinthishead,an’twouldout;’andsothereis,
butitliesascoldlyinhimasfireinaflint,whichwillnot
showwithoutknocking.Theman’sundoneforever;for
ifHectorbreaknothisnecki’thecombat,he’llbreak’t
himselfinvain-glory.Heknowsnotme:Isaid,‘Goodmorrow,Ajax’;andhereplies,‘Thanks,Agamemnon.’
Whatthinkyouofthismanthattakesmeforthegeneral?He’sgrownaveryland-fish,languageless,amonster.Aplagueofopinion!amanmaywearitonboth
sides,likealeatherjerkin.
ACHILLES.Thoumustbemyambassadortohim,Thersites.
THERSITES.Who,I?why,he’llanswernobody;hepro-
fessesnotanswering;speakingisforbeggars;hewears
histongueinhisarms.Iwillputonhispresence:let
Patroclusmakedemandstome,youshallseethepageantofAjax.
ACHILLES.Tohim,Patroclus:tellhim,Ihumblydesirethe
valiantAjaxtoinvitethemostvalorousHectortocome
unarmedtomytent;andtoprocuresafe-conductforhis
personofthemagnanimousandmostillustrious,six-orseven-times-honouredcaptain-generaloftheGrecian
army,Agamemnon,etcetera.Dothis.
PATROCLUS.JoveblessgreatAjax!
THERSITES.Hum!
PATROCLUS.IcomefromtheworthyAchilles,—
THERSITES.Ha!
PATROCLUS.WhomosthumblydesiresyoutoinviteHec-
tortohistent,—
THERSITES.Hum!
PATROCLUS.Andtoprocuresafe-conductfromAgamem-
non.
THERSITES.Agamemnon!
PATROCLUS.Ay,mylord.
THERSITES.Ha!
PATROCLUS.Whatsayyouto’t?
THERSITES.Godbewi’you,withallmyheart.
PATROCLUS.Youranswer,sir.
THERSITES.Ifto-morrowbeafairday,byeleveno’clockit
willgoonewayorother;howsoever,heshallpayforme
erehehasme.
PATROCLUS.Youranswer,sir.
THERSITES.Fareyouwell,withallmyheart.
ACHILLES.Why,butheisnotinthistune,ishe?
THERSITES.No,buthe’souto’tunethus.Whatmusicwill
beinhimwhenHectorhasknockedouthisbrains,I
knownot;but,Iamsure,none,unlessthefiddlerApollo
gethissinewstomakecatlingson.
ACHILLES.Come,thoushaltbearalettertohimstraight.
THERSITES.Letmebearanothertohishorse,forthat’sthe
morecapablecreature.
ACHILLES.Mymindistroubled,likeafountainstirr ’d;
AndImyselfseenotthebottomofit.
ExeuntAchillesandPatroclus
THERSITES.Wouldthefountainofyourmindwereclear
again,thatImightwateranassatit!Ihadratherbea
tickinasheepthansuchavaliantignorance.Exit
ACTFOUR
SCENEONE
Troy.AStreet.
Enter,ononeside,Æneas,andServant,withatorch;on
theother,Paris,Deiphobus,Antenor,Diomedes,
andOthers,withtorches
PARIS.See,ho!whoisthatthere?
DEIPHOBUS.ItistheLordÆneas.
ÆNEAS.Istheprincethereinperson?
HadIsogoodoccasiontolielong
Asyou,PrinceParis,nothingbutheavenlybusiness
Shouldrobmybed-mateofmycompany.
DIOMEDES.That’smymindtoo.Good-morrow,Lord
Æneas.
PARIS.AvaliantGreek,Æneas;takehishand:
Witnesstheprocessofyourspeech,wherein
YoutoldhowDiomed,awholeweekbydays,
Didhauntyouinthefield.
ÆNEAS.Healthtoyou,valiantsir,
Duringallquestionofthegentletruce;
ButwhenImeetyouarm’d,asblackdefiance
Asheartcanthinkorcourageexecute.
DIOMEDES.TheoneandotherDiomedembraces.
Ourbloodsarenowincalm,and,solong,health!
Butwhencontentionandoccasionmeet,
Byjove,I’llplaythehunterforthylife
Withallmyforce,pursuit,andpolicy.
ÆNEAS.Andthoushalthuntalion,thatwillfly
Withhisfacebackward.Inhumanegentleness,
WelcometoTroy!now,byAnchises’life,
Welcome,indeed!ByVenus’handIswear,
Nomanalivecanloveinsuchasort
Thethinghemeanstokillmoreexcellently.
DIOMEDES.Wesympathize.Jove,letÆneaslive,
Iftomyswordhisfatebenottheglory,
Athousandcompletecoursesofthesun!
But,inmineemuloushonour,lethimdie,
Witheveryjointawound,andthatto-morrow!
ÆNEAS.Weknoweachotherwell.
DIOMEDES.Wedo;andlongtoknoweachotherworse.
PARIS.Thisisthemostdespitefulgentlegreeting,
Thenoblesthatefullove,thate’erIheardof.
Whatbusiness,lord,soearly?
ÆNEAS.Iwassentfortotheking;butwhy,Iknownot.
PARIS.Hispurposemeetsyou:’twastobringthisGreek
ToCalchas’house,andtheretorenderhim,
FortheenfreedAntenor,thefairCressid.
Let’shaveyourcompany;or,ifyouplease,
Hastetherebeforeus.Iconstantlydothink—
Orrather,callmythoughtacertainknowledge—
MybrotherTroiluslodgesthereto-night:
Rousehimandgivehimnoteofourapproach,
Withthewholequalitywherefore:Ifear
Weshallbemuchunwelcome.
ÆNEAS.ThatIassureyou
TroilushadratherTroywerebornetoGreece
ThanCressidbornefromTroy.
PARIS.Thereisnohelp;
Thebitterdispositionofthetime
Willhaveitso.On,lord;we’llfollowyou.
ÆNEAS.Good-morrow,all.Exit
PARIS.Andtellme,nobleDiomed;faith,tellmetrue,
Eveninthesoulofsoundgood-fellowship,
Who,inyourthoughts,meritsfairHelenbest—
MyselforMenelaus?
DIOMEDES.Bothalike:
Hemeritswelltohaveherthatdothseekher—
Notmakinganyscrupleofhersoilure—
Withsuchahellofpainandworldofcharge,
Andyouaswelltokeepherthatdefendher—
Notpalatingthetasteofherdishonour—
Withsuchacostlylossofwealthandfriends:
He,likeapulingcuckold,woulddrinkup
Theleesanddregsofaflattamedpiece;
You,likealecher,outofwhorishloins
Arepleas’dtobreedoutyourinheritors:
Bothmeritspois’d,eachweighsnorlessnormore;
Butheashe,theheavierforawhore.
PARIS.Youaretoobittertoyourcountrywoman.
DIOMEDES.She’sbittertohercountry.Hearme,Paris:
Foreveryfalsedropinherbawdyveins
AGrecian’slifehathsunk;foreveryscruple
Ofhercontaminatedcarrionweight
ATrojanhathbeenslain.Sinceshecouldspeak,
Shehathnotgivensomanygoodwordsbreath
AsforherGreeksandTrojanssuffer ’ddeath.
PARIS.FairDiomed,youdoaschapmendo,
Dispraisethethingthatyoudesiretobuy;
Butweinsilenceholdthisvirtuewell,
We’llnotcommendwhatweintendtosell.
Hereliesourway.Exeunt
SCENETWO
TheSame.ACourtbeforePandarus’House.
EnterTroilusandCressida
TROILUS.Dear,troublenotyourself:themorniscold.
CRESSIDA.Then,sweetmylord,I’llcallmineuncledown:
Heshallunboltthegates.
TROILUS.Troublehimnot;
Tobed,tobed:sleepkillthoseprettyeyes,
Andgiveassoftattachmenttothysenses
Asinfants’emptyofallthought!
CRESSIDA.Good-morrow,then.
TROILUS.Ipritheenow,tobed.
CRESSIDA.Areyouawearyofme?
TROILUS.OCressida!butthatthebusyday,
Wak’dbythelark,hathrous’dtheribaldcrows,
Anddreamingnightwillhideourjoysnolonger,
Iwouldnotfromthee.
CRESSIDA.Nighthathbeentoobrief.
TROILUS.Beshrewthewitch!withvenomouswightsshe
stays
Astediouslyashell,butfliesthegraspsoflove
Withwingsmoremomentary-swiftthanthought.
Youwillcatchcold,andcurseme.
CRESSIDA.Prithee,tarry:
Youmenwillnevertarry.
OfoolishCressid!Imighthavestillheldoff,
Andthenyouwouldhavetarried.Hark!there’soneup.
PANDARUS.(Within)What!areallthedoorsopenhere?
TROILUS.Itisyouruncle.
CRESSIDA.Apestilenceonhim!nowwillhebemocking:I
shallhavesuchalife!
EnterPandarus
PANDARUS.Hownow,hownow!howgomaiden-heads?
Here,youmaid!where’smycousinCressid?
CRESSIDA.Gohangyourself,younaughtymockinguncle!
Youbringmetodo—andthenyoufloutmetoo.
PANDARUS.Todowhat?todowhat?lethersaywhat:
whathaveIbroughtyoutodo?
CRESSIDA.Come,come;beshrewyourheart!you’llne’erbe
good,
Norsufferothers.
PANDARUS.Ha,ha!Alas,poorwretch!apoorcapocchia!
hastnotsleptto-night?wouldhenot,anaughtyman,let
itsleep?abugbeartakehim!
CRESSIDA.DidnotItellyou?’wouldhewereknock’do’the
head!Knockingwithin
Who’sthatatdoor?gooduncle,goandsee.
Mylord,comeyouagainintomychamber:
Yousmileandmockme,asifImeantnaughtily.
TROILUS.Ha,ha!
CRESSIDA.Come,youaredeceiv’d,Ithinkofnosuchthing.
Knockingwithin
Howearnestlytheyknock!Prayyou,comein:
IwouldnotforhalfTroyhaveyouseenhere.
ExeuntTroilusandCressida
PANDARUS.(Goingtothedoor)Who’sthere?What’sthe
matter?willyoubeatdownthedoor?Hownow!what’s
thematter?
EnterÆneas
ÆNEAS.Good-morrow,lord,good-morrow.
PANDARUS.Who’sthere?myLordÆneas!Bymytroth,
Iknewyounot:whatnewswithyousoearly?
ÆNEAS.IsnotPrinceTroilushere?
PANDARUS.Here!whatshouldhedohere?
ÆNEAS.Come,heishere,mylord:donotdenyhim:it
dothimporthimmuchtospeakwithme.
PANDARUS.Ishehere,sayyou?’tismorethanIknow,I’ll
besworn:formyownpart,Icameinlate.Whatshould
hedohere?
ÆNEAS.Who!nay,then:come,come,you’lldohimwrong
ereyou’re’ware.You’llbesotruetohim,tobefalseto
him.Donotyouknowofhim,butyetgofetchhim
hither;go.
Re-enterTroilus
TROILUS.Hownow!What‘sthematter?
ÆNEAS.Mylord,Iscarcehaveleisuretosaluteyou,
Mymatterissorash:thereisathand
Parisyourbrother,andDeiphobus,
TheGrecianDiomed,andourAntenor
Deliver ’dtous;andforhimforthwith,
Erethefirstsacrifice,withinthishour,
WemustgiveuptoDiomedes’hand
TheLadyCressida.
TROILUS.Isitsoconcluded?
ÆNEAS.ByPriam,andthegeneralstateofTroy:
Theyareathandandreadytoeffectit.
TROILUS.Howmyachievementsmockme!
Iwillgomeetthem:and,myLordÆneas,
Wemetbychance;youdidnotfindmehere.
ÆNEAS.Good,good,mylord;thesecretsofnature
Havenotmoregiftintaciturnity.
ExeuntTroilusandÆneas.
PANDARUS.Is’tpossible?nosoonergotbutlost?Thedevil
takeAntenor!theyoungprincewillgomad:aplague
uponAntenor!Iwouldtheyhadbroke’sneck!
Re-enterCressida
CRESSIDA.Hownow!Whatisthematter?Whowashere?
PANDARUS.Ah!ah!
CRESSIDA.Whysighyousoprofoundly?where’smylord?
gone!Tellme,sweetuncle,What’sthematter?
PANDARUS.WouldIwereasdeepundertheearthasIam
above!
CRESSIDA.Othegods!What’sthematter?
PANDARUS.Prithee,gettheein.Wouldthouhadstne’er
beenborn!Iknewthouwouldstbehisdeath.Opoor
gentleman!AplagueuponAntenor!
CRESSIDA.Gooduncle,Ibeseechyou,onmykneesIbe-
seechyou,What’sthematter?
PANDARUS.Thoumustbegone,wench,thoumustbegone;
thouartchangedforAntenor.Thoumusttothyfather,
andbegonefromTroilus:’twillbehisdeath;’twillbe
hisbane;hecannotbearit.
CRESSIDA.Oyouimmortalgods!Iwillnotgo.
PANDARUS.Thoumust.
CRESSIDA.Iwillnot,uncle:Ihaveforgotmyfather;
Iknownotouchofconsanguinity;
Nokin,nolove,noblood,nosoulsonearme
AsthesweetTroilus.Oyougodsdivine!
MakeCressid’snametheverycrownoffalsehood
IfeversheleaveTroilus!Time,force,anddeath,
Dotothisbodywhatextremesyoucan;
Butthestrongbaseandbuildingofmylove
Isastheverycentreoftheearth,
Drawingallthingstoit.I’llgoinandweep,—
PANDARUS.Do,do.
CRESSIDA.Tearmybrighthair,andscratchmypraised
cheeks,
Crackmyclearvoicewithsobs,andbreakmyheart
WithsoundingTroilus.IwillnotgofromTroy.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
TheSame.BeforePandarus’House.
EnterParis,Troilus,Æneas,Deiphobus,Antenor,
andDiomedes
PARIS.Itisgreatmorning,andthehourprefix’d
OfherdeliverytothisvaliantGreek
Comesfastupon.GoodmybrotherTroilus,
Tellyoutheladywhatsheistodo,
Andhastehertothepurpose.
TROILUS.Walkintoherhouse;
I’llbringhertotheGrecianpresently:
AndtohishandwhenIdeliverher,
Thinkitanaltar,andthybrotherTroilus
Apriest,thereofferingtoithisheart.Exit
PARIS.Iknowwhat’tistolove;
Andwould,asIshallpity,Icouldhelp!
Pleaseyouwalkin,mylords.Exeunt
SCENEFOUR
TheSame.ARoominPandarus’House.
EnterPandarusandCressida
PANDARUS.Bemoderate,bemoderate.
CRESSIDA.Whytellyoumeofmoderation?
Thegriefisfine,full,perfect,thatItaste,
Andviolentethinasenseasstrong
Asthatwhichcausethit:howcanImoderateit?
IfIcouldtemporizewithmyaffection,
Orbrewittoaweakandcolderpalate,
ThelikeallaymentcouldIgivemygrief:
Myloveadmitsnoqualifyingdross;
Nomoremygrief,insuchapreciousloss.
EnterTroilus
PANDARUS.Here,here,herehecomes.Ah!sweetducks.
CRESSIDA.(Embracinghim)OTroilus!Troilus!
PANDARUS.Whatapairofspectaclesishere!Letmeem-
bracetoo.‘Oheart,’asthegoodlysayingis,
Oheart,heavyheart,
Whysigh’stthouwithoutbreaking?
whenheanswersagain,
Becausethoucanstnoteasethysmart
Byfriendshipnorbyspeaking.
Therewasneveratruerrime.Letuscastawaynothing,
forwemaylivetohaveneedofsuchaverse:weseeit,
weseeit.Hownow,lambs!
TROILUS.Cressid,Ilovetheeinsostrain’dapurity,
Thatthebless’dgods,asangrywithmyfancy,
Morebrightinzealthanthedevotionwhich
Coldlipsblowtotheirdeities,taketheefromme.
CRESSIDA.Havethegodsenvy?
PANDARUS.Ay,ay,ay,ay;’tistooplainacase.
CRESSIDA.AndisittruethatImustgofromTroy?
TROILUS.Ahatefultruth.
CRESSIDA.What!andfromTroilustoo?
TROILUS.FromTroyandTroilus.
CRESSIDA.Isitpossible?
TROILUS.Andsuddenly;whereinjuryofchance
Putsbackleave-taking,justlesroughlyby
Alltimeofpause,rudelybeguilesourlips
Ofallrejoindure,forciblyprevents
Ourlock’dembrasures,stranglesourdearvows
Eveninthebirthofourownlabouringbreath.
Wetwo,thatwithsomanythousandsighs
Didbuyeachother,mustpoorlysellourselves
Withtherudebrevityanddischargeofone.
Injurioustimenowwitharobber ’shaste
Cramshisrichthieveryup,heknowsnothow:
Asmanyfarewellsasbestarsinheaven,
Withdistinctbreathandconsign’dkissestothem,
Hefumblesupintoalooseadieu,
Andscantsuswithasinglefamish’dkiss,
Distastedwiththesaltofbrokentears.
ÆNEAS.(Within)Mylord,istheladyready?
TROILUS.Hark!youarecall’d:somesaytheGeniusso
Cries‘Come!’tohimthatinstantlymustdie.
Bidthemhavepatience;sheshallcomeanon.
PANDARUS.Wherearemytears?rain,tolaythiswind,or
myheartwillbeblownupbytheroot!Exit
CRESSIDA.ImustthentotheGrecians?
TROILUS.Noremedy.
CRESSIDA.AwoefulCressid’mongstthemerryGreeks!
Whenshallweseeagain?
TROILUS.Hearme,mylove.Bethoubuttrueofheart,—
CRESSIDA.Itrue!hownow!whatwickeddeemisthis?
TROILUS.Nay,wemustuseexpostulationkindly,
Foritispartingfromus:
Ispeaknot‘bethoutrue,’asfearingthee,
ForIwillthrowmyglovetoDeathhimself,
Thatthere’snomaculationinthyheart;
But,‘bethoutrue,’sayI,tofashionin
Mysequentprotestation;bethoutrue,
AndIwillseethee.
CRESSIDA.O!youshallbeexpos’d,mylord,todangers
Asinfiniteasimminent;butI’llbetrue.
TROILUS.AndI’llgrowfriendwithdanger.Wearthis
sleeve.
CRESSIDA.Andyouthisglove.WhenshallIseeyou?
TROILUS.IwillcorrupttheGreciansentinels,
Togivetheenightlyvisitation.
Butyet,betrue.
CRESSIDA.Oheavens!‘betrue’again!
TROILUS.HearwhyIspeakit,love:
TheGrecianyouthsarefullofquality;
They’reloving,wellcompos’d,withgiftsofnature,
Flowingandswellingo’erwithartsandexercise:
Hownoveltymaymove,andpartswithperson,
Alas!akindofgodlyjealousy,—
Which,Ibeseechyou,callavirtuoussin,—
Makesmeafear ’d.
CRESSIDA.Oheavens!youlovemenot.
TROILUS.DieIavillain,then!
InthisIdonotcallyourfaithinquestion
Somainlyasmymerit:Icannotsing,
Norheelthehighlavolt,norsweetentalk,
Norplayatsubtlegames;fairvirtuesall,
TowhichtheGreciansaremostpromptandpregnant
ButIcantellthatineachgraceofthese
Therelurksastillanddumb-discoursivedevil
Thattemptsmostcunningly.Butbenottempted.
CRESSIDA.DoyouthinkIwill?
TROILUS.No.
Butsomethingmaybedonethatwewillnot:
Andsometimeswearedevilstoourselves
Whenwewilltemptthefrailtyofourpowers,
Presumingontheirchangefulpotency.
ÆNEAS.(Within)Nay,goodmylord,—
TROILUS.Come,kiss;andletuspart.
PARIS.(Within)BrotherTroilus!
TROILUS.Goodbrother,comeyouhither;
AndbringÆneasandtheGrecianwithyou.
CRESSIDA.Mylord,willyoubetrue?
TROILUS.Who,I?alas,itismyvice,myfault:
Whileothersfishwithcraftforgreatopinion,
Iwithgreattruthcatchmeresimplicity;
Whilstsomewithcunninggildtheircoppercrowns
WithtruthandplainnessIdowearminebare.
Fearnotmytruth;themoralofmywit
Isplain,andtrue;there’sallthereachofit.
EnterÆneas,Paris,Antenor,Deiphobus,andDiomedes
Welcome,SirDiomed!Hereisthelady
WhichforAntenorwedeliveryou:
Attheport,lord,I’llgivehertothyhand,
Andbythewaypossesstheewhatsheis.
Entreatherfair;and,bymysoul,fairGreek,
Ife’erthoustandatmercyofmysword,
NameCressid,andthylifeshallbeassafe
AsPriamisinIlion.
DIOMEDES.FairLadyCressid,
Sopleaseyou,savethethanksthisprinceexpects:
Thelustreinyoureye,heaveninyourcheek,
Pleadsyourfairusage;andtoDiomed
Youshallbemistress,andcommandhimwholly.
TROILUS.Grecian,thoudostnotusemecourteously,
Toshamethezealofmypetitiontothee
Inpraisingher:Itellthee,lordofGreece,
Sheisasfarhigh-soaringo’erthypraises
Asthouunworthytobecall’dherservant.
Ichargetheeuseherwell,evenformycharge;
For,bythedreadfulPluto,ifthoudostnot,
ThoughthegreatbulkAchillesbethyguard,
I’llcutthythroat.
DIOMEDES.O!benotmov’d,PrinceTroilus:
Letmebeprivileg’dbymyplaceandmessage
Tobeaspeakerfree;whenIamhence,
I’llanswertomylust;andknowyou,lord,
I’llnothingdooncharge:toherownworth
Sheshallbepriz’d;butthatyousay‘be’tso,’
I’llspeakitinmyspiritandhonour,‘no.’
TROILUS.Come,totheport.I’lltellthee,Diomed,
Thisbraveshalloftmaketheetohidethyhead.
Lady,givemeyourhand,and,aswewalk,
Toourownselvesbendweourneedfultalk.
ExeuntTroilus,Cressida,
andDiomedes.Trumpetsounded
PARIS.Hark!Hector ’strumpet.
ÆNEAS.Howhavewespentthismorning!
Theprincemustthinkmetardyandremiss,
Thatsworetoridebeforehimtothefield.
PARIS.’TisTroilus’fault.Come,come,tofieldwithhim.
DEIPHOBUS.Letusmakereadystraight.
ÆNEAS.Yea,withabridegroom’sfreshalacrity,
LetusaddresstotendonHector ’sheels:
ThegloryofourTroydoththisdaylie
Onhisfairworthandsinglechivalry.Exeunt
SCENEFIVE
TheGrecianCamp.Listssetout.
EnterAjax,armed;Agamemnon,Achilles,Patroclus,
Menelaus,Ulysses,Nestor,andOthers
AGAMEMNON .Hereartthouinappointmentfreshandfair,
Anticipatingtimewithstartingcourage.
GivewiththytrumpetaloudnotetoTroy,
ThoudreadfulAjax;thattheappalledair
Maypiercetheheadofthegreatcombatant
Andhalehimhither.
AJAX.Thou,trumpet,there’smypurse.
Nowcrackthylungs,andsplitthybrazenpipe:
Blow,villain,tillthyspheredbiascheek
Outswellthecolicofpuff’dAquilon.
Come,stretchthychest,andletthyeyesspoutblood;
Thoublow’stforHector.Trumpetsounds
ULYSSES.Notrumpetanswers.
ACHILLES.’Tisbutearlydays.
AGAMEMNON .IsnotyondDiomedwithCalchas’daugh-
ter?
ULYSSES.’Tishe,Ikenthemannerofhisgait;
Herisesonthetoe:thatspiritofhis
Inaspirationliftshimfromtheearth.
EnterDiomedes,withCressida
AGAMEMNON .IsthistheLadyCressid?
DIOMEDES.Evenshe.
AGAMEMNON .MostdearlywelcometotheGreeks,sweet
lady.
NESTOR.Ourgeneraldothsaluteyouwithakiss.
ULYSSES.Yetisthekindnessbutparticular;
’Twerebettershewerekiss’dingeneral.
NESTOR.Andverycourtlycounsel:I’llbegin.
SomuchforNestor.
ACHILLES.I’lltakethatwinterfromyourlips,fairlady:
Achillesbidsyouwelcome.
MENELAUS.Ihadgoodargumentforkissingonce.
PATROCLUS.Butthat’snoargumentforkissingnow;
Forthuspopp’dParisinhishardiment,
Andpartedthusyouandyourargument.
ULYSSES.O,deadlygall,andthemeofallourscorns!
Forwhichweloseourheadstogildhishorns.
PATROCLUS.ThefirstwasMenelaus’kiss;this,mine:
Patrocluskissesyou.
MENELAUS.O!thisistrim.
PATROCLUS.ParisandI,kissevermoreforhim.
MENELAUS.I’llhavemykiss,sir.Lady,byyourleave.
CRESSIDA.Inkissing,doyourenderorreceive?
PATROCLUS.Bothtakeandgive.
CRESSIDA.I’llmakemymatchtolive,
Thekissyoutakeisbetterthanyougive;
Thereforenokiss.
MENELAUS.I’llgiveyouboot;I’llgiveyouthreeforone.
CRESSIDA.You’reanoddman;giveeven,orgivenone.
MENELAUS.Anoddman,lady!everymanisodd.
CRESSIDA.No,Parisisnot;for,youknow’tistrue,
Thatyouareodd,andheisevenwithyou.
MENELAUS.Youfillipmeo’thehead.
CRESSIDA.No,I’llbesworn.
ULYSSES.Itwerenomatch,yournailagainsthishorn.May
I,sweetlady,begakissofyou?
CRESSIDA.Youmay.
ULYSSES.Idodesireit.
CRESSIDA.Why,beg,then.
ULYSSES.Why,then,forVenus’sake,givemeakiss,
WhenHelenisamaidagain,andhis.
CRESSIDA.Iamyourdebtor;claimitwhen’tisdue.
ULYSSES.Never’smyday,andthenakissofyou.
DIOMEDES.Lady,aword:I’llbringyoutoyourfather.
DiomedesleadsoutCressida
NESTOR.Awomanofquicksense.
ULYSSES.Fie,fieuponher!
There’slanguageinhereye,hercheek,herlip,
Nay,herfootspeaks;herwantonspiritslookout
Ateveryjointandmotiveofherbody.
O!theseencounterers,sogliboftongue,
Thatgiveacoastingwelcomeereitcomes,
Andwideunclaspthetablesoftheirthoughts
Toeveryticklingreader,setthemdown
Forsluttishspoilsofopportunity
Anddaughtersofthegame.Trumpetwithin
ALL.TheTrojans’trumpet.
AGAMEMNON .Yondercomesthetroop.
EnterHector,armed;Æneas,Troilus,and
otherTrojans,withAttendants
ÆNEAS.Hail,allyoustateofGreece!whatshallbedone
Tohimthatvictorycommands?ordoyoupurpose
Avictorshallbeknown?willyoutheknights
Shalltotheedgeofallextremity
Pursueeachother,orshallbedivided
Byanyvoiceororderofthefield?
Hectorbadeask.
AGAMEMNON .WhichwaywouldHectorhaveit?
ÆNEAS.Hecaresnot;he’llobeyconditions.
ACHILLES.’TisdonelikeHector;butsecurelydone,
Alittleproudly,andgreatdealmisprising
Theknightoppos’d.
ÆNEAS.IfnotAchilles,sir,
Whatisyourname?
ACHILLES.IfnotAchilles,nothing.
ÆNEAS.ThereforeAchilles;but,whate’er,knowthis:
Intheextremityofgreatandlittle,
ValourandprideexcelthemselvesinHector;
Theonealmostasinfiniteasall,
Theotherblankasnothing.Weighhimwell,
Andthatwhichlookslikeprideiscourtesy.
ThisAjaxishalfmadeofHector ’sblood:
Inlovewhereof,halfHectorstaysathome;
Halfheart,halfhand,halfHectorcomestoseek
Thisblendedknight,halfTrojan,andhalfGreek.
ACHILLES.Amaidenbattle,then?O!Iperceiveyou.
Re-enterDiomedes
AGAMEMNON .HereisSirDiomed.Go,gentleknight,
StandbyourAjax:asyouandLordÆneas
Consentupontheorderoftheirfight,
Sobeit;eithertotheuttermost,
Orelseabreath:thecombatantsbeingkin
Halfstintstheirstrifebeforetheirstrokesbegin.
AjaxandHectorenterthelists
ULYSSES.Theyareoppos’dalready.
AGAMEMNON .WhatTrojanisthatsamethatlookssoheavy?
ULYSSES.TheyoungestsonofPriam,atrueknight:
Notyetmature,yetmatchless;firmofword,
Speakingindeedsanddeedlessinhistongue;
Notsoonprovok’d,norbeingprovok’dsooncalm’d:
Hisheartandhandbothopenandbothfree;
Forwhathehashegives,whatthinksheshows;
Yetgiveshenottilljudgmentguidehisbounty,
Nordignifiesanimpurethoughtwithbreath.
ManlyasHector,butmoredangerous;
ForHector,inhisblazeofwrath,subscribes
Totenderobjects;butheinheatofaction
Ismorevindicativethanjealouslove.
TheycallhimTroilus,andonhimerect
Asecondhope,asfairlybuiltasHector.
ThussaysÆneas;onethatknowstheyouth
Eventohisinches,andwithprivatesoul
DidingreatIlionthustranslatehimtome.
Alarum.HectorandAjaxfight
AGAMEMNON .Theyareinaction.
NESTOR.Now,Ajax,holdthineown!
TROILUS.Hector,thousleep’st;awakethee!
AGAMEMNON .Hisblowsarewelldispos’d:there,Ajax!
DIOMEDES.Youmustnomore.Trumpetscease
ÆNEAS.Princes,enough,sopleaseyou.
AJAX.Iamnotwarmyet;letusfightagain.
DIOMEDES.AsHectorpleases.
HECTOR.Why,thenwillInomore:
Thouart,greatlord,myfather ’ssister ’sson,
Acousin-germantogreatPriam’sseed;
Theobligationofourbloodforbids
Agoryemulation’twixtustwain.
WerethycommixtionGreekandTrojanso
Thatthoucouldstsay,‘ThishandisGrecianall,
AndthisisTrojan;thesinewsofthisleg
AllGreek,andthisallTroy;mymother ’sblood
Runsonthedextercheek,andthissinister
Boundsinmyfather ’s,’byJovemultipotent,
ThoushouldstnotbearfrommeaGreekishmember
Whereinmyswordhadnotimpressuremade
Ofourrankfeud.Butthejustgodsgainsay
Thatanydropthouborrow’dstfromthymother,
Mysacredaunt,shouldbymymortalsword
Bedrain’d!Letmeembracethee,Ajax;
Byhimthatthunders,thouhastlustyarms;
Hectorwouldhavethemfalluponhimthus:
Cousin,allhonourtothee!
AJAX.Ithankthee,Hector:
Thouarttoogentleandtoofreeaman:
Icametokillthee,cousin,andbearhence
Agreatadditionearnedinthydeath.
HECTOR.NotNeoptolemussomirable,
OnwhosebrightcrestFamewithherloud’stOyes
Cries,‘Thisishe!’couldpromisetohimself
AthoughtofaddedhonourtornfromHector.
ÆNEAS.Thereisexpectanceherefromboththesides,
Whatfurtheryouwilldo.
HECTOR.We’llanswerit;
Theissueisembracement:Ajax,farewell.
AJAX.IfImightinentreatiesfindsuccess,—
AsseldIhadthechance,—Iwoulddesire
MyfamouscousintoourGreciantents.
DIOMEDES.’TisAgamemnon’swish,andgreatAchilles
Dothlongtoseeunarm’dthevaliantHector.
HECTOR.Æneas,callmybrotherTroilustome,
Andsignifythislovinginterview
TotheexpectersofourTrojanpart;
Desirethemhome.Givemethyhand,mycousin;
Iwillgoeatwiththeeandseeyourknights.
AJAX.GreatAgamemnoncomestomeetushere.
HECTOR.Theworthiestofthemtellmenamebyname;
ButforAchilles,mineownsearchingeyes
Shallfindhimbyhislargeandportlysize.
AGAMEMNON .Worthyofarms!aswelcomeastoone
Thatwouldberidofsuchanenemy;
Butthat’snowelcome;understandmoreclear,
What’spastandWhat’stocomeisstrew’dwithhusks
Andformlessruinofoblivion;
Butinthisextantmoment,faithandtroth,
Strain’dpurelyfromallhollowbias-drawing,
Bidsthee,withmostdivineintegrity,
Fromheartofveryheart,greatHector,welcome.
HECTOR.Ithankthee,mostimperiousAgamemnon.
AGAMEMNON .(ToTroilus)Mywell-fam’dlordofTroy,no
lesstoyou.
MENELAUS.Letmeconfirmmyprincelybrother ’sgreeting:
Youbraceofwarlikebrothers,welcomehither.
HECTOR.Whommustweanswer?
ÆNEAS.ThenobleMenelaus.
HECTOR.O!you,mylord?byMarshisgauntlet,thanks!
MocknotthatIaffecttheuntradedoath;
YourquondamwifeswearsstillbyVenus’glove:
She’swell,butbademenotcommendhertoyou.
MENELAUS.Namehernotnow,sir;she’sadeadlytheme.
HECTOR.O!pardon;Ioffend.
NESTOR.Ihave,thougallantTrojan,seentheeoft,
Labouringfordestiny,makecruelway
ThroughranksofGreekishyouth:andIhaveseenthee,
AshotasPerseus,spurthyPhrygiansteed,
Despisingmanyforfeitsandsubduements,
Whenthouhasthungthyadvanc’dswordi’th’air,
Notlettingitdeclineonthedeclin’d;
ThatIhavesaidtosomemystanders-by,
‘Lo!Jupiterisyonder,dealinglife!’
AndIhaveseentheepauseandtakethybreath,
WhenthataringofGreekshavehemm’dtheein,
LikeanOlympianwrestling:thishaveIseen;
Butthisthycountenance,stilllock’dinsteel,
Ineversawtillnow.Iknewthygrandsire,
Andoncefoughtwithhim:hewasasoldiergood;
But,bygreatMars,thecaptainofusall,
Neverlikethee.Letanoldmanembracethee;
And,worthywarrior,welcometoourtents.
ÆNEAS.’TistheoldNestor.
HECTOR.Letmeembracethee,goodoldchronicle,
Thathastsolongwalk’dhandinhandwithtime:
MostreverendNestor,Iamgladtoclaspthee.
NESTOR.Iwouldmyarmscouldmatchtheeincontention,
Astheycontendwiththeeincourtesy.
HECTOR.Iwouldtheycould.
NESTOR.Ha!
Bythiswhitebeard,I’dfightwiththeeto-morrow.
Well,welcome,welcome!Ihaveseenthetime.—
ULYSSES.Iwondernowhowyondercitystands,
Whenwehavehereherbaseandpillarbyus.
HECTOR.Iknowyourfavour,LordUlysses,well.
Ah!sir,there’smanyaGreekandTrojandead,
SincefirstIsawyourselfandDiomed
InIlion,onyourGreekishembassy.
ULYSSES.Sir,Iforetoldyouthenwhatwouldensue.
Myprophecyisbuthalfhisjourneyyet;
Foryonderwalls,thatpertlyfrontyourtown,
Yondtowers,whosewantontopsdobusstheclouds,
Mustkisstheirownfeet.
HECTOR.Imustnotbelieveyou:
Theretheystandyet,andmodestlyIthink,
ThefallofeveryPhrygianstonewillcost
AdropofGrecianblood:theendcrownsall,
Andthatoldcommonarbitrator,Time,
Willonedayendit.
ULYSSES.Sotohimweleaveit.
MostgentleandmostvaliantHector,welcome.
Afterthegeneral,Ibeseechyounext
Tofeastwithmeandseemeatmytent.
ACHILLES.Ishallforestallthee,LordUlysses,thou!
Now,Hector,Ihavefedmineeyesonthee;
Ihavewithexactviewperus’dthee,Hector,
Andquotedjointbyjoint.
HECTOR.IsthisAchilles?
ACHILLES.IamAchilles.
HECTOR.Standfair,Ipraythee:letmelookonthee.
ACHILLES.Beholdthyfill.
HECTOR.Nay,Ihavedonealready.
ACHILLES.Thouarttoobrief:Iwillthesecondtime,
AsIwouldbuythee,viewtheelimbbylimb.
HECTOR.O!likeabookofsportthou’Itreadmeo’er;
Butthere’smoreinmethanthouunderstand’st.
Whydostthousooppressmewiththineeye?
ACHILLES.Tellme,youheavens,inwhichpartofhisbody
ShallIdestroyhim?whetherthere,orthere,orthere?
ThatImaygivethelocalwoundaname,
Andmakedistincttheverybreachwhereout
Hector ’sgreatspiritflew.Answerme,heavens!
HECTOR.Itwoulddiscreditthebless’dgods,proudman,
Toanswersuchaquestion.Standagain:
Think’stthoutocatchmylifesopleasantly
Astoprenominateinniceconjecture
Wherethouwilthitmedead?
ACHILLES.Itellthee,yea.
HECTOR.Wertthouanoracletotellmeso,
I’dnotbelievethee.Henceforthguardtheewell,
ForI’llnotkilltheethere,northere,northere;
But,bytheforgethatstithiedMarshishelm,
I’llkilltheeeverywhere,yea,o’erando’er.
YouwisestGrecians,pardonmethisbrag;
Hisinsolencedrawsfollyfrommylips;
ButI’llendeavourdeedstomatchthesewords,
OrmayInever—
AJAX.Donotchafethee,cousin:
Andyou,Achilles,letthesethreatsalone,
Tillaccidentorpurposebringyouto’t:
YoumayhaveeverydayenoughofHector,
Ifyouhavestomach.Thegeneralstate,Ifear,
Canscarceentreatyoutobeoddwithhim.
HECTOR.Iprayyou,letusseeyouinthefield;
Wehavehadpeltingwarssinceyourefus’d
TheGrecians’cause.
ACHILLES.Dostthouentreatme,Hector?
To-morrowdoImeetthee,fellasdeath;
To-nightallfriends.
HECTOR.Thyhanduponthatmatch.
AGAMEMNON .First,allyoupeersofGreece,gotomytent;
Thereinthefullconvivewe:afterwards,
AsHector ’sleisureandyourbountiesshall
Concurtogether,severallyentreathim.
Beatloudthetabourines,letthetrumpetsblow,
Thatthisgreatsoldiermayhiswelcomeknow.
ExeuntallexceptTroilusandUlysses
TROILUS.MyLordUlysses,tellme,Ibeseechyou,
InwhatplaceofthefielddothCalchaskeep?
ULYSSES.AtMenelaus’tent,mostprincelyTroilus:
ThereDiomeddothfeastwithhimto-night;
Whoneitherlooksupontheheavennorearth,
Butgivesallgazeandbentofamorousview
OnthefairCressid.
TROILUS.ShallI,sweetlord,beboundtotheesomuch,
AfterwepartfromAgamemnon’stent,
Tobringmethither?
ULYSSES.Youshallcommandme,sir.
Asgentletellme,ofwhathonourwas
ThisCressidainTroy?Hadshenoloverthere
Thatwailsherabsence?
TROILUS.O,sir!tosuchasboastingshowtheirscars
Amockisdue.Willyouwalkon,mylord?
Shewasbelov’d,shelov’d;sheis,anddoth:
Butstillsweetloveisfoodforfortune’stooth.Exeunt
ACTFIVE
SCENEONE
TheGrecianCamp.BeforeAchilles’Tent.
EnterAchillesandPatroclus
ACHILLES.I’llheathisbloodwithGreekishwineto-night,
WhichwithmyscimitarI’llcoolto-morrow.
Patroclus,letusfeasthimtotheheight.
PATROCLUS.HerecomesThersites.
EnterThersites
ACHILLES.Hownow,thoucoreofenvy!
Thoucrustybatchofnature,What’sthenews?
THERSITES.Why,thoupictureofwhatthouseemest,and
idolofidiot-worshippers,here’saletterforthee.
ACHILLES.Fromwhence,fragment?
THERSITES.Why,thoufulldishoffool,fromTroy.
PATROCLUS.Whokeepsthetentnow?
THERSITES.Thesurgeon’sbox,orthepatient’swound.
PATROCLUS.Wellsaid,adversity!andwhatneedthese
tricks?
THERSITES.Prithee,besilent,boy:Iprofitnotbythytalk:
thouartthoughttobeAchilles’malevarlet.
PATROCLUS.Malevarlet,yourogue!What’sthat?
THERSITES.Why,hismasculinewhore.Now,therottendis-
easesofthesouth,theguts-griping,ruptures,catarrhs,
loadso’graveli’theback,lethargies,coldpalsies,raw
eyes,dirt-rottenlivers,wheezinglungs,bladdersfullof
imposthume,sciaticas,lime-kilnsi’thepalm,incurable
bone-ache,andtherivelledfee-simpleofthetetter,take
andtakeagainsuchpreposterousdiscoveries!
PATROCLUS.Why,thoudamnableboxofenvy,thou,what
meanestthoutocursethus?
THERSITES.DoIcursethee?
PATROCLUS.Why,no,youruinousbutt,youwhore-sonin-
distinguishablecur,no.
THERSITES.No!whyartthouthenexasperate,thouidleim-
materialskeinofsleavesilk,thougreensarcenetflapfor
asoreeye,thoutasselofaprodigal’spurse,thou?Ah!
howthepoorworldispesteredwithsuchwater-flies,
diminutivesofnature.
PATROCLUS.Out,gall!
THERSITES.Finch-egg!
ACHILLES.MysweetPatroclus,Iamthwartedquite
Frommygreatpurposeinto-morrow’sbattle.
HereisaletterfromQueenHecuba,
Atokenfromherdaughter,myfairlove,
Bothtaxingmeandgagingmetokeep
AnoaththatIhavesworn.Iwillnotbreakit:
FallGreeks;failfame;honourorgoorstay;
Mymajorvowlieshere,thisI’llobey.
Come,come,Thersites,helptotrimmytent;
Thisnightinbanquetingmustallbespent.
Away,Patroclus!ExeuntAchillesandPatroclus
THERSITES.Withtoomuchbloodandtoolittlebrain,these
twomayrunmad;butifwithtoomuchbrainandtoo
littlebloodtheydo,I’llbeacurerofmadmen.Here’s
Agamemnon,anhonestfellowenough,andonethat
lovesquails,buthehasnotsomuchbrainasear-wax:
andthegoodlytransformationofJupiterthere,his
brother,thebull,theprimitivestatue,andobliquememorialofcuckolds;athriftyshoeing-horninachain,
hangingathisbrother ’sleg,towhatformbutthatheis,
shouldwitlardedwithmaliceandmaliceforcedwith
witturnhimto?Toanass,werenothing:heisbothass
andox;toanox,werenothing:heisbothoxandass.To
beadog,amule,acat,afitchew,atoad,alizard,an
owl,aputtock,oraherringwithoutaroe,Iwouldnot
care;buttobeMenelaus!Iwouldconspireagainstdestiny.AskmenotwhatIwouldbe,ifIwerenotThersites,
forIcarenottobethelouseofalazar,soIwerenot
Menelaus.Hey-day!spiritsandfires!
EnterHector,Troilus,Ajax,Agamemnon,Ulysses,
Nestor,Menelaus,andDiomedes,withlights
AGAMEMNON .Wegowrong,wegowrong.
AJAX.No,yonder’tis;
There,whereweseethelights.
HECTOR.Itroubleyou.
AJAX.No,notawhit.
ULYSSES.Herecomeshimselftoguideyou.
Re-enterAchilles
ACHILLES.Welcome,braveHector;welcome,princesall.
AGAMEMNON .Sonow,fairprinceofTroy,Ibidgood-night.
Ajaxcommandstheguardtotendonyou.
HECTOR.Thanksandgood-nighttotheGreeks’general.
MENELAUS.Good-night,mylord.
HECTOR.Good-night,sweetLordMenelaus.
THERSITES.Sweetdraught:‘sweet’quotha’!sweetsink,
sweetsewer.
ACHILLES.Good-nightandwelcomebothatonce,tothose
thatgoortarry.
AGAMEMNON .Good-night.
ExeuntAgamemnonandMenelaus
ACHILLES.OldNestortarries;andyoutoo,Diomed,
KeepHectorcompanyanhourortwo.
DIOMEDES.Icannot,lord;Ihaveimportantbusiness,
Thetidewhereofisnow.Good-night,greatHector.
HECTOR.Givemeyourhand.
ULYSSES.(AsidetoTroilus)Followhistorch;hegoesto
Calchas’tent.
I’llkeepyoucompany.
TROILUS.Sweetsir,youhonourme.
HECTOR.Andso,good-night.
ExitDiomedes;UlyssesandTroilusfollowing
ACHILLES.Come,come,entermytent.
ExeuntAchilles,Hector,Ajax,andNestor
THERSITES.ThatsameDiomed’safalse-heartedrogue,a
mostunjustknave;Iwillnomoretrusthimwhenheleers
thanIwillaserpentwhenhehisses.Hewillspendhis
mouth,andpromise,likeBrabblerthehound;butwhen
heperforms,astronomersforetellit:itisprodigious,
therewillcomesomechange:thesunborrowsofthe
moonwhenDiomedkeepshisword.Iwillratherleaveto
seeHector,thannottodoghim:theysayhekeepsa
Trojandrab,andusesthetraitorCalchas’tent.I’llafter.
Nothingbutlechery!allincontinentvarlets.Exit
SCENETWO
TheSame.BeforeCalchas’Tent.
EnterDiomedes
DIOMEDES.What,areyouuphere,ho!speak.
CALCHAS.(Within)Whocalls?
DIOMEDES.Diomed.Calchas,Ithink.Where’syourdaughter?
CALCHAS.(Within)Shecomestoyou.
EnterTroilusandUlysses,atadistance;
afterthem,Thersites
ULYSSES.Standwherethetorchmaynotdiscoverus.
EnterCressida
TROILUS.Cressidcomesforthtohim.
DIOMEDES.Hownow,mycharge!
CRESSIDA.Now,mysweetguardian!Hark!awordwith
you.Whispers
TROILUS.Yea,sofamiliar!
ULYSSES.Shewillsinganymanatfirstsight.
THERSITES.Andanymanmaysingher,ifhecantakeher
cliff;she’snoted.
DIOMEDES.Willyouremember?
CRESSIDA.Remember!yes.
DIOMEDES.Nay,butdo,then;
Andletyourmindbecoupledwithyourwords.
TROILUS.Whatshouldsheremember?
ULYSSES.List!
CRESSIDA.SweethoneyGreek,temptmenomoretofolly.
THERSITES.Roguery!
DIOMEDES.Nay,then,—
CRESSIDA.I’lltellyouwhat,—
DIOMEDES.Foh,foh!come,tellapin:youareforsworn.
CRESSIDA.Infaith,Icannot.Whatwouldyouhavemedo?
THERSITES.Ajugglingtrick,—tobesecretlyopen.
DIOMEDES.Whatdidyouswearyouwouldbestowonme?
CRESSIDA.Iprithee,donotholdmetomineoath;
Bidmedoanythingbutthat,sweetGreek.
DIOMEDES.Good-night.
TROILUS.Hold,patience!
ULYSSES.Hownow,Trojan?
CRESSIDA.Diomed,—
DIOMEDES.No,no,good-night;I’llbeyourfoolnomore.
TROILUS.Thybettermust.
CRESSIDA.Hark!onewordinyourear.
TROILUS.Oplagueandmadness!
ULYSSES.Youaremov’d,prince;letusdepart,Iprayyou,
Lestyourdispleasureshouldenlargeitself
Towrathfulterms.Thisplaceisdangerous;
Thetimerightdeadly.Ibeseechyou,go.
TROILUS.Behold,Iprayyou!
ULYSSES.Nay,goodmylord,gooff:
Youflowtogreatdistraction;come,mylord.
TROILUS.Ipraythee,stay.
ULYSSES.Youhavenotpatience;come.
TROILUS.Iprayyou,stay.Byhell,andallhell’storments,
Iwillnotspeakaword!
DIOMEDES.Andso,good-night.
CRESSIDA.Nay,butyoupartinanger.
TROILUS.Doththatgrievethee?
Owither ’dtruth!
ULYSSES.Why,hownow,lord!
TROILUS.ByJove,
Iwillbepatient.
CRESSIDA.Guardian!—why,Greek!
DIOMEDES.Foh,foh!adieu;youpalter.
CRESSIDA.Infaith,Idonot:comehitheronceagain.
ULYSSES.Youshake,mylord,atsomething:willyougo?
Youwillbreakout.
TROILUS.Shestrokeshischeek!
ULYSSES.Come,come.
TROILUS.Nay,stay;byJove,Iwillnotspeakaword:
Thereisbetweenmywillandalloffences
Aguardofpatience:stayalittlewhile.
THERSITES.HowthedevilLuxury,withhisfatrumpand
potato-finger,ticklesthesetogether!Fry,lechery,fry!
DIOMEDES.Butwillyou,then?
CRESSIDA.Infaith,Iwill,la;nevertrustmeelse.
DIOMEDES.Givemesometokenforthesuretyofit.
CRESSIDA.I’llfetchyouone.Exit
ULYSSES.Youhaveswornpatience.
TROILUS.Fearmenot,sweetlord;
Iwillnotbemyself,norhavecognition.
OfwhatIfeel:Iamallpatience.
Re-enterCressida
THERSITES.Nowthepledge!now,now,now!
CRESSIDA.Here,Diomed,keepthissleeve.
TROILUS.Obeauty!whereisthyfaith?
ULYSSES.Mylord,—
TROILUS.Iwillbepatient;outwardlyIwill.
CRESSIDA.Youlookuponthatsleeve;beholditwell.
Helov’dme—Ofalsewench!—Give’ttomeagain.
DIOMEDES.Whosewas’t?
CRESSIDA.Itisnomatter,nowIhave’tagain.
Iwillnotmeetwithyouto-morrownight.
Iprithee,Diomed,visitmenomore.
THERSITES.Nowshesharpens:wellsaid,whetstone!
DIOMEDES.Ishallhaveit.
CRESSIDA.What,this?
DIOMEDES.Ay,that.
CRESSIDA.O!allyougods.Opretty,prettypledge!
Thymasternowliesthinkinginhisbed
Oftheeandme;andsighs,andtakesmyglove,
Andgivesmemorialdaintykissestoit,
AsIkissthee.Nay,donotsnatchitfromme;
Hethattakesthatdothtakemyheartwithal.
DIOMEDES.Ihadyourheartbefore;thisfollowsit.
TROILUS.Ididswearpatience.
CRESSIDA.Youshallnothaveit,Diomed;faithyoushall
not;
I’llgiveyousomethingelse.
DIOMEDES.Iwillhavethis.Whosewasit?
CRESSIDA.’Tisnomatter.
DIOMEDES.Come,tellmewhoseitwas.
CRESSIDA.’Twasone’sthatlovedmebetterthanyouwill.
But,nowyouhaveit,takeit.
DIOMEDES.Whosewasit?
CRESSIDA.ByallDiana’swaiting-womenyond,
Andbyherself,Iwillnottellyouwhose.
DIOMEDES.To-morrowwillIwearitonmyhelm,
Andgrievehisspiritthatdaresnotchallengeit.
TROILUS.Wertthouthedevil,andwor ’stitonthyhorn,
Itshouldbechalleng’d.
CRESSIDA.Well,well,’tisdone,’tispast:andyetitisnot:
Iwillnotkeepmyword.
DIOMEDES.Whythen,farewell;
ThounevershaltmockDiomedagain.
CRESSIDA.Youshallnotgo:onecannotspeakaword,
Butitstraightstartsyou.
DIOMEDES.Idonotlikethisfooling.
THERSITES.NorI,byPluto:butthatthatlikesnotme
Pleasesmebest.
DIOMEDES.What,shallIcome?thehour?
CRESSIDA.Ay,come:—OJove!—
Docome:—Ishallbeplagu’d.
DIOMEDES.Farewelltillthen.
CRESSIDA.Good-night:Iprithee,come.—
ExitDiomedes
Troilus,farewell!oneeyeyetlooksonthee,
Butwithmyhearttheothereyedothsee.
Ah!pooroursex;thisfaultinusIfind,
Theerrorofoureyedirectsourmind.
Whaterrorleadsmusterr.O!thenconclude
Mindssway’dbyeyesarefullofturpitude.Exit
THERSITES.Aproofofstrengthshecouldnotpublishmore,
Unlessshesaid,‘Mymindisnowturn’dwhore.’
ULYSSES.All’sdone,mylord.
TROILUS.Itis.
ULYSSES.Whystaywe,then?
TROILUS.Tomakearecordationtomysoul
Ofeverysyllablethatherewasspoke.
ButifItellhowthesetwodidco-act,
ShallInotlieinpublishingatruth?
Sithyetthereisacredenceinmyheart,
Anesperancesoobstinatelystrong,
Thatdothinverttheattestofeyesandears,
Asifthoseorganshaddeceptiousfunctions,
Createdonlytocalumniate.
WasCressidhere?
ULYSSES.Icannotconjure,Trojan.
TROILUS.Shewasnot,sure.
ULYSSES.Mostsureshewas.
TROILUS.Why,mynegationhathnotasteofmadness.
ULYSSES.Normine,mylord:Cressidwasherebutnow.
TROILUS.Letitnotbebeliev’dforwomanhood!
Thinkwehadmothers;donotgiveadvantage
Tostubborncritics,apt,withoutatheme,
Fordepravation,tosquarethegeneralsex
ByCressid’srule:ratherthinkthisnotCressid.
ULYSSES.Whathathshedone,prince,thatcansoilour
mothers?
TROILUS.Nothingatall,unlessthatthiswereshe.
THERSITES.Willheswaggerhimselfouton’sowneyes?
TROILUS.Thisshe?no,thisisDiomed’sCressida.
Ifbeautyhaveasoul,thisisnotshe;
Ifsoulsguidevows,ifvowsbesanctimony,
Ifsanctimonybethegods’delight,
Ifthereberuleinunityitself,
Thisisnotshe.Omadnessofdiscourse,
Thatcausesetsupwithandagainstitself;
Bi-foldauthority!wherereasoncanrevolt
Withoutperdition,andlossassumeallreason
Withoutrevolt:thisis,andisnot,Cressid.
Withinmysoultheredothconduceafight
Ofthisstrangenaturethatathinginseparate
Dividesmorewiderthantheskyandearth;
Andyetthespaciousbreadthofthisdivision
Admitsnoorificeforapointassubtle
AsAriachne’sbrokenwooftoenter.
Instance,Oinstance!strongasPluto’sgates;
Cressidismine,tiedwiththebondsofheaven:
Instance,Oinstance!strongasheavenitself;
Thebondsofheavenareslipp’d,dissolv’d,andloos’d;
Andwithanotherknot,five-finger-tied,
Thefractionsofherfaith,ortsofherlove,
Thefragments,scraps,thebits,andgreasyreliques
Ofhero’er-eatenfaith,areboundtoDiomed.
ULYSSES.MayworthyTroilusbehalfattach’d
Withthatwhichherehispassiondothexpress?
TROILUS.Ay,Greek;andthatshallbedivulgedwell
IncharactersasredasMarshisheart
Inflam’dwithVenus:neverdidyoungmanfancy
Withsoeternalandsofix’dasoul.
Hark,Greek:asmuchasIdoCressidlove,
SomuchbyweighthateIherDiomed;
Thatsleeveisminethathe’llbearonhishelm;
Wereitacasquecompos’dbyVulcan’sskill,
Myswordshouldbiteit.Notthedreadfulspout
Whichshipmendothehurricanocall,
Constring’dinmassbythealmightysun,
ShalldizzywithmoreclamourNeptune’sear
Inhisdescentthanshallmypromptedsword
FallingonDiomed.
THERSITES.He’lltickleitforhisconcupy.
TROILUS.OCressid!OfalseCressid!false,false,false!
Letalluntruthsstandbythystainedname,
Andthey’llseemglorious.
ULYSSES.O!containyourself;
Yourpassiondrawsearshither.
EnterÆneas
ÆNEAS.Ihavebeenseekingyouthishour,mylord.
Hector,bythis,isarminghiminTroy:
Ajax,yourguard,staystoconductyouhome.
TROILUS.Havewithyou,prince.Mycourteouslord,adieu.
Farewell,revoltedfair!andDiomed,
Standfast,andwearacastleonthyhead!
ULYSSES.I’llbringyoutothegates
TROILUS.Acceptdistractedthanks.
ExeuntTroilus,Æneas,andUlysses
THERSITES.WouldIcouldmeetthatrogueDiomed!I
wouldcroaklikearaven;Iwouldbode,Iwouldbode.
Patrocluswouldgivemeanythingfortheintelligenceof
thiswhore:theparrotwillnotdomoreforanalmond
thanheforacommodiousdrab.Lechery,lechery;still,
warsandlechery:nothingelseholdsfashion.Aburning
deviltakethem!Exit
SCENETHREE
Troy.BeforePriam’sPalace.
EnterHectorandAndromache
ANDROMACHE.Whenwasmylordsomuchungentlytemper ’d,
Tostophisearsagainstadmonishment?
Unarm,unarm,anddonotfightto-day.
HECTOR.Youtrainmetooffendyou;getyouin:
Byalltheeverlastinggods,I’llgo.
ANDROMACHE.Mydreamswill,sure,proveominoustothe
day.
HECTOR.Nomore,Isay.
EnterCassandra
CASSANDRA.WhereismybrotherHector?
ANDROMACHE.Here,sister;arm’d,andbloodyinintent.
Consortwithmeinloudanddearpetition;
Pursuewehimonknees;forIhavedream’d
Ofbloodyturbulence,andthiswholenight
Hathnothingbeenbutshapesandformsofslaughter.
CASSANDRA.O!’tistrue.
HECTOR.Ho!bidmytrumpetsound.
CASSANDRA.Nonotesofsally,fortheheavens,sweet
brother.
HECTOR.Begone,Isay:thegodshaveheardmeswear.
CASSANDRA.Thegodsaredeaftohotandpeevishvows:
Theyarepollutedofferings,moreabhorred
Thanspottedliversinthesacrifice.
ANDROMACHE.O!bepersuaded:donotcountitholy
Tohurtbybeingjust:itisaslawful,
Forwewouldgivemuch,touseviolentthefts,
Androbinthebehalfofcharity.
CASSANDRA.Itisthepurposethatmakesstrongthevow;
Butvowstoeverypurposemustnothold.
Unarm,sweetHector.
HECTOR.Holdyoustill,Isay;
Minehonourkeepstheweatherofmyfate:
Lifeeverymanholdsdear;butthedearman
Holdshonourfarmoreprecious-dearthanlife.
EnterTroilus
Hownow,youngman!mean’stthoutofightto-day?
ANDROMACHE.Cassandra,callmyfathertopersuade.
ExitCassandra
HECTOR.No,faith,youngTroilus;doffthyharness,youth;
Iamto-dayi’theveinofchivalry:
Letgrowthysinewstilltheirknotsbestrong,
Andtemptnotyetthebrushesofthewar.
Unarmthee,go,anddoubtthounot,braveboy,
I’llstandto-dayfortheeandmeandTroy.
TROILUS.Brother,youhaveaviceofmercyinyou,
Whichbetterfitsalionthanaman.
HECTOR.Whatviceisthat,goodTroilus?chidemeforit.
TROILUS.WhenmanytimesthecaptiveGrecianfalls,
Eveninthefanandwindofyourfairsword,
Youbidthemrise,andlive.
HECTOR.O!’tisfairplay.
TROILUS.Fool’splay,byheaven,Hector.
HECTOR.Hownow!hownow!
TROILUS.Fortheloveofallthegods,
Let’sleavethehermitpitywithourmothers,
Andwhenwehaveourarmoursbuckledon,
Thevenom’dvengeancerideuponourswords,
Spurthemtoruthfulwork,reinthemfromruth.
HECTOR.Fie,savage,fie!
TROILUS.Hector,then’tiswars.
HECTOR.Troilus,Iwouldnothaveyoufightto-day.
TROILUS.Whoshouldwithholdme?
Notfate,obedience,northehandofMars
Beckoningwithfierytruncheonmyretire;
NotPriamusandHecubaonknees,
Theireyeso’ergalledwithrecourseoftears;
Noryou,mybrother,withyourtruesworddrawn
Oppos’dtohinderme,shouldstopmyway
Butbymyruin.
Re-enterCassandra,withPriam
CASSANDRA.Layholduponhim,Priam,holdhimfast:
Heisthycrutch;nowifthoulosethystay,
Thouonhimleaning,andallTroyonthee,
Fallalltogether.
PRIAM .Come,Hector,come;goback:
Thywifehathdreamed;thymotherhathhadvisions
Cassandradothforesee;andImyself
Amlikeaprophetsuddenlyenrapt,
Totelltheethatthisdayisominous
Therefore,comeback.
HECTOR.Æneasisa-field;
AndIdostandengagedtomanyGreeks,
Eveninthefaithofvalour,toappear
Thismorningtothem.
PRIAM .Ay,butthoushaltnotgo.
HECTOR.Imustnotbreakmyfaith.
Youknowmedutiful;therefore,dearsir,
Letmenotshamerespect,butgivemeleave
Totakethatcoursebyyourconsentandvoice,
Whichyoudohereforbidme,royalPriam.
CASSANDRA.OPriam!yieldnottohim.
ANDROMACHE.Donot,dearfather.
HECTOR.Andromache,Iamoffendedwithyou:
Upontheloveyoubearme,getyouin.ExitAndromache
TROILUS.Thisfoolish,dreaming,superstitiousgirl
Makesallthesebodements.
CASSANDRA.Ofarewell!dearHector.
Look!howthoudiest;look!howthyeyeturnspale;
Look!howthywoundsdobleedatmanyvents:
Hark!howTroyroars:howHecubacriesout!
HowpoorAndromacheshrillsherdoloursforth!
Behold,distraction,frenzy,andamazement,
Likewitlessanticks,oneanothermeet,
AndallcryHector!Hector ’sdead!OHector!
TROILUS.Away!Away!
CASSANDRA.Farewell.Yet,soft!Hector,Itakemyleave:
ThoudostthyselfandallourTroydeceive.Exit
HECTOR.Youareamaz’dmyliege,atherexclaim.
Goinandcheerthetown:we’llforthandfight;
Dodeedsworthpraiseandtellyouthematnight.
PRIAM .Farewell:thegodswithsafetystandaboutthee!
ExeuntseverallyPriamandHector.Alarums
TROILUS.Theyareatit,hark!ProudDiomed,believe,I
cometolosemyarm,orwinmysleeve.
AsTroilusisgoingout,enter,fromtheotherside,Pandarus
PANDARUS.Doyouhear,mylord?doyouhear?
TROILUS.Whatnow?
PANDARUS.Here’salettercomefromyondpoorgirl.
TROILUS.Letmeread.
PANDARUS.Awhoresontisick,awhoresonrascallytisick
sotroublesme,andthefoolishfortuneofthisgirl;and
whatonething,whatanother,thatIshallleaveyouone
o’thesedays:andIhavearheuminmineeyestoo,and
suchanacheinmybonesthat,unlessamanwerecursed,
Icannottellwhattothinkon’t.Whatsaysshethere?
TROILUS.Words,words,merewords,nomatterfromthe
heart;
Theeffectdothoperateanotherway.Tearingtheletter
Go,windtowind,thereturnandchangetogether.
Mylovewithwordsanderrorsstillshefeeds,
Butedifiesanotherwithherdeeds.Exeuntseverally
SCENEFOUR
BetweenTroyandtheGrecianCamp.
Alarums.Excursions.EnterThersites
THERSITES.Nowtheyareclapper-clawingoneanother;I’ll
golookon.Thatdissemblingabominablevarlet,Diomed,
hasgotthatsamescurvydotingfoolishyoungknave’s
sleeveofTroythereinhishelm:Iwouldfainseethem
meet;thatthatsameyoungTrojanass,thatlovesthe
whorethere,mightsendthatGreekishwhoremasterly
villain,withthesleeve,backtothedissemblingluxurious
drab,onasleevelesserrand.O’theotherside,thepolicy
ofthosecraftyswearingrascals,—thatstaleoldmouseeatendrycheese,Nestor,andthatsamedog-fox,Ulysses,
isnotprovedworthablackberry:theysetmeup,in
policy,thatmongrelcur,Ajax,againstthatdogofasbad
akind,Achilles;andnowisthecurAjaxprouderthanthe
curAchilles,andwillnotarmto-day;whereuponthe
Greciansbegintoproclaimbarbarism,andpolicygrows
intoanillopinion.Soft!herecomessleeve,andt’other.
EnterDiomedes,Troilusfollowing
TROILUS.Flynot;forshouldstthoutaketheriverStyx,
Iwouldswimafter.
DIOMEDES.Thoudostmiscallretire:
Idonotfly;butadvantageouscare
Withdrewmefromtheoddsofmultitude.
Haveatthee!
THERSITES.Holdthywhore,Grecian!nowforthywhore,
Trojan!nowthesleeve,nowthesleeve!
ExeuntTroilusandDiomedes,fighting
EnterHector
HECTOR.Whatartthou,Greek?artthouforHector ’smatch?
Artthouofbloodandhonour?
THERSITES.No,no,Iamarascal;ascurvyrailingknave;
averyfilthyrogue.
HECTOR.Idobelievethee:live.Exit
THERSITES.God-a-mercy,thatthouwiltbelieveme;but
aplaguebreakthyneckforfrightingme!What’sbecomeofthewenchingrogues?Ithinktheyhaveswallowedoneanother:Iwouldlaughatthatmiracle;yet,
inasort,lecheryeatsitself.I’llseekthem.Exit
SCENEFIVE
AnotherPartofthePlains.
EnterDiomedesandaServant
DIOMEDES.Go,go,myservant,takethouTroilus’horse;
PresentthefairsteedtomyLadyCressid:
Fellow,commendmyservicetoherbeauty:
TellherIhavechastis’dtheamorousTrojan,
Andamherknightbyproof.
SERVANT.Igo,mylord.Exit
EnterAgamemnon
AGAMEMNON .Renew,renew!ThefiercePolydamas
HathbeatdownMenon;bastardMargarelon
HathDoreusprisoner,
Andstandscolossus-wise,wavinghisbeam,
Uponthepashedcorsesofthekings
EpistrophusandCedius;Polixenesisslain;
Amphimachus,andThoas,deadlyhurt;
Patroclusta’en,orslain;andPalamedes
Sorehurtandbruis’d;thedreadfulSagittary
Appalsournumbers:hastewe,Diomed,
Toreinforcement,orweperishall.
EnterNestor
NESTOR.Go,bearPatroclus’bodytoAchilles;
Andbidthesnail-pac’dAjaxarmforshame.
ThereisathousandHectorsinthefield:
NowherehefightsonGalathehishorse,
Andtherelackswork;anonhe’sthereafoot,
Andtheretheyflyordie,likescaledsculls
Beforethebelchingwhale;thenisheyonder,
AndtherethestrawyGreeks,ripeforhisedge,
Falldownbeforehim,likethemower ’sswath:
Here,there,andeverywhere,heleavesandtakes,
Dexteritysoobeyingappetite
Thatwhathewillhedoes;anddoessomuch
Thatproofiscalledimpossibility.
EnterUlysses
ULYSSES.O!courage,courage,princes;greatAchilles
Isarming,weeping,cursing,vowingvengeance:
Patroclus’woundshaverous’dhisdrowsyblood,
TogetherwithhismangledMyrmidons,
Thatnoseless,handless,hack’dandchipp’d,cometohim,
CryingonHector.Ajaxhathlostafriend,
Andfoamsatmouth,andheisarm’dandatit,
RoaringforTroilus,whohathdoneto-day
Madandfantasticexecution,
Engagingandredeemingofhimself
Withsuchacarelessforceandforcelesscare
Asifthatluck,inveryspiteofcunning,
Badehimwinall.
EnterAjax
AJAX.Troilus!thoucowardTroilus!Exit
DIOMEDES.Ay,there,there.
NESTOR.So,so,wedrawtogether.
EnterAchilles
ACHILLES.WhereisthisHector?
Come,come,thouboy-queller,showthyface;
KnowwhatitistomeetAchillesangry:
Hector!where’sHector?IwillnonebutHector.
Exeunt
SCENESIX
AnotherPartofthePlains.
EnterAjax
AJAX.Troilus,thoucowardTroilus,showthyhead!
EnterDiomedes
DIOMEDES.Troilus,Isay!where’sTroilus?
AJAX.Whatwouldstthou?
DIOMEDES.Iwouldcorrecthim.
AJAX.WereIthegeneral,thoushouldsthavemyoffice
Erethatcorrection.Troilus,Isay!what,Troilus!
EnterTroilus
TROILUS.OtraitorDiomed!Turnthyfalseface,thou
traitor!
Andpaythylifethouowestmeformyhorse!
DIOMEDES.Ha!artthouthere?
AJAX.I’llfightwithhimalone:stand,Diomed.
DIOMEDES.Heismyprize;Iwillnotlookupon.
TROILUS.Come,bothyoucoggingGreeks;haveatyouboth!Exeunt,
fighting
EnterHector
HECTOR.Yea,Troilus?O,wellfought,myyoungestbrother!
EnterAchilles
ACHILLES.NowIdoseethee.Ha!haveatthee,Hector!
HECTOR.Pause,ifthouwilt.
ACHILLES.Idodisdainthycourtesy,proudTrojan.
Behappythatmyarmsareoutofuse:
Myrestandnegligencebefriendtheenow,
Butthouanonshalthearofmeagain;
Tillwhen,goseekthyfortune.Exit
HECTOR.Faretheewell:—
Iwouldhavebeenmuchmoreafresherman,
HadIexpectedthee.Hownow,mybrother!
Re-enterTroilus
TROILUS.Ajaxhathta’enÆneas:shallitbe?
No,bytheflameofyondergloriousheaven,
Heshallnotcarryhim:I’llbeta’entoo,
Orbringhimoff.Fate,hearmewhatIsay!
IrecknotthoughIendmylifeto-day.Exit
EnterOneinsumptuousarmour
HECTOR.Stand,stand,thouGreek;thouartagoodlymark.
No?wiltthounot?Ilikethyarmourwell;
I’llfrushit,andunlocktherivetsall,
ButI’llbemasterofit.Wiltthounot,beast,abide?
Whythen,flyon,I’llhunttheeforthyhide.Exeunt
SCENESEVEN
AnotherPartofthePlains.
EnterAchilles,WithMyrmidons
ACHILLES.Comehereaboutme,youmyMyrmidons;
MarkwhatIsay.AttendmewhereIwheel:
Strikenotastroke,butkeepyourselvesinbreath:
AndwhenIhavethebloodyHectorfound,
Empalehimwithyourweaponsroundabout;
Infellestmannerexecuteyouraims.
Followme,sirs,andmyproceedingseye:
Itisdecreed,Hectorthegreatmustdie.Exeunt
EnterMenelausandParis,fighting;thenThersites
THERSITES.Thecuckoldandthecuckold-makerareatit.
Now,bull!now,dog!’Loo,Paris,’loo!now,mydoublehennedsparrow!’loo,Paris,’loo!Thebullhasthegame:
’warehorns,ho!ExeuntParisandMenelaus
EnterMargarelon
MARGARELON .Turn,slave,andfight.
THERSITES.Whatartthou?
MARGARELON .AbastardsonofPriam’s.
THERSITES.Iamabastardtoo;Ilovebastards:Iamabas-
tardbegot,bastardinstructed,bastardinmind,bastard
invalour,ineverythingillegitimate.Onebearwillnot
biteanother,andwhereforeshouldonebastard?Take
heed,thequarrel’smostominoustous:ifthesonofa
whorefightforawhore,hetemptsjudgment.Farewell,
bastard.Exit
MARGARELON .Thedeviltakethee,coward!Exit
SCENEEIGHT
AnotherPartofthePlains.
EnterHector
HECTOR.Mostputrefiedcore,sofairwithout,
Thygoodlyarmourthushathcostthylife.
Nowismyday’sworkdone;I’lltakegoodbreath:
Rest,sword;thouhastthyfillofbloodanddeath.
Putsoffhishelmet,andhangshisshieldbehindhim
EnterAchillesandMyrmidons
ACHILLES.Look,Hector,howthesunbeginstoset;
Howuglynightcomesbreathingathisheels:
Evenwiththevailanddarkingofthesun,
Toclosethedayup,Hector ’slifeisdone.
HECTOR.Iamunarm’d;foregothisvantage,Greek.
ACHILLES.Strike,fellows,strike!thisisthemanIseek.
Hectorfalls
SoIlion,fallthounext!now,Troy,sinkdown!
Hereliesthyheart,thysinews,andthybone.
On!Myrmidons,andcryyouallamain,
‘AchilleshaththemightyHectorslain.’—
Aretreatsounded
Hark!aretreatuponourGrecianpart.
MYRMIDON .TheTrojantrumpetssoundthelike,mylord.
ACHILLES.Thedragonwingofnighto’erspreadstheearth,
And,stickler-like,thearmiesseparates.
Myhalf-supp’dsword,thatfranklywouldhavefed,
Pleas’dwiththisdaintybait,thusgoestobed.—
Sheatheshissword
Come,tiehisbodytomyhorse’stail;
AlongthefieldIwilltheTrojantrail.Exeunt
SCENENINE
AnotherPartofthePlains.
EnterAgamemnon,Ajax,Menelaus,Nestor,Diomedes,
andOthersmarching.Shoutswithin
AGAMEMNON .Hark!hark!whatshoutisthat?
NESTOR.Peace,drums!
Within.Achilles!
Achilles!Hector’sslain!Achilles:
DIOMEDES.Thebruitis,Hector’sslain,andbyAchilles.
AJAX.Ifitbeso,yetbraglessletitbe;
GreatHectorwasamanasgoodashe.
AGAMEMNON .Marchpatientlyalong.Letonebesent
ToprayAchillesseeusatourtent.
Ifinhisdeaththegodshaveusbefriended,
GreatTroyisours,andoursharpwarsareended.
Exeunt,marching
SCENETEN
AnotherPartofthePlains.
EnterÆneasandTrojans
ÆNEAS.Stand,ho!yetarewemastersofthefield.
Nevergohome;herestarveweoutthenight.
EnterTroilus
TROILUS.Hectorisslain.
ALL.Hector!thegodsforbid!
TROILUS.He’sdead;andatthemurderer ’shorse’stail,
Inbeastlysort,dragg’dthroughtheshamefulfield.
Frownon,youheavens,effectyourragewithspeed!
Sit,gods,uponyourthrones,andsmileatTroy!
Isay,atonceletyourbriefplaguesbemercy,
Andlingernotoursuredestructionson!
ÆNEAS.Mylord,youdodiscomfortallthehost.
TROILUS.Youunderstandmenotthattellmeso.
Idonotspeakofflight,offear,ofdeath;
Butdareallimminencethatgodsandmen
Addresstheirdangersin.Hectorisgone:
WhoshalltellPriamso,orHecuba?
Lethimthatwillascreech-owlayebecall’d
GointoTroy,andsaythereHector’sdead:
ThereisawordwillPriamturntostone,
MakewellsandNiobesofthemaidsandwives,
Coldstatuesoftheyouth;and,inaword,
ScareTroyoutofitself.Butmarchaway:
Hectorisdead;thereisnomoretosay.
Stayyet.Youvileabominabletents,
ThusproudlypightuponourPhrygianplains,
LetTitanriseasearlyashedare,
I’llthroughandthroughyou!And,thougreat-siz’d
coward,
Nospaceofearthshallsunderourtwohates:
I’llhaunttheelikeawickedconsciencestill,
Thatmouldethgoblinsswiftasfrenzy’sthoughts.
StrikeafreemarchtoTroy!withcomfortgo:
Hopeofrevengeshallhideourinwardwoe.
ExeuntÆneasandTrojanForces
AsTroilusisgoingout,enter,fromtheotherside,Pandarus
PANDARUS.Buthearyou,hearyou!
TROILUS.Hence,brokerlackey!ignomyandshame
Pursuethylife,andliveayewiththyname!Exit
PANDARUS.Agoodlymedicineformyachingbones!
Oworld!world!world!thusisthepooragentdespised.
Otraitorsandbawds,howearnestlyareyouseta-work,
andhowillrequited!whyshouldourendeavourbeso
loved,andtheperformancesoloathed?whatverseforit?
whatinstanceforit?—Letmesee!—
Fullmerrilythehumble-beedothsing,
Tillhehathlosthishoneyandhissting;
Andbeingoncesubdu’dinarmedtail,
Sweethoneyandsweetnotestogetherfail.
Goodtradersintheflesh,setthisinyourpaintedcloths.
Asmanyasbehereofpander ’shall,
Youreyes,halfout,weepoutatPandar ’sfall;
Orifyoucannotweep,yetgivesomegroans,
Thoughnotforme,yetforyourachingbones.
Brethrenandsistersofthehold-doortrade,
Sometwomonthshencemywillshallherebemade:
Itshouldbenow,butthatmyfearisthis,
SomegalledgooseofWinchesterwouldhiss.
TillthenI’llsweat,andseekaboutforeases;
Andatthattimebequeathyoumydiseases.Exit
CORIOLANUS
CASTOFCHARACTERS
CAIUSMARCIUS,afterwardsCaiusMarcius
Coriolanus
T ITUSLARTIUS
GeneralsagainsttheVolscians
COMINIUS
MENENIUSAGRIPPA,FriendtoCoriolanus
SICINIUSVELUTUS
TribunesofthePeople
JUNIUSBRUTUS
YOUNGMARCIUS,SontoCoriolanus
ARomanHerald
T ULLUSAUFIDIUS,GeneraloftheVolscians
LieutenanttoAufidius
ConspiratorswithAufidius
NICANOR,aRoman
ACitizenofAntium
ADRIAN ,aVolsce
TwoVolscianGuards
VOLUMNIA,MothertoCoriolanus
VIRGILIA,WifetoCoriolanus
VALERIA,FriendtoVirgilia
Gentlewoman,attendingonVirgilia
RomanandVolscianSenators,Patricians,Ædiles,
Lictors,Soldiers,Citizens,Messengers,Servants
toAufidius,andotherAttendants
SCENE
RomeandtheNeighbourhood;Corioliandthe
Neighbourhood;Antium
ACTONE
SCENEONE
Rome.AStreet.
EnteraCompanyofmutinousCitizens,withstaves,
clubs,andotherweapons
FIRSTCITIZEN .Beforeweproceedanyfurther,hearmespeak.
ALL.Speak,speak.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Youareallresolvedrathertodiethanto
famish?
ALL.Resolved,resolved.
FIRSTCITIZEN .First,youknowCaiusMarciusischief
enemytothepeople.
ALL.Weknow’t,weknow’t.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Letuskillhim,andwe’llhavecornatour
ownprice.Is’taverdict?
ALL.Nomoretalkingon’t;letitbedone.Away,away!
SECONDCITIZEN .Oneword,goodcitizens.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Weareaccountedpoorcitizens,thepatri-
ciansgood.Whatauthoritysurfeitsonwouldrelieveus.
Iftheywouldyieldusbutthesuperfluity,whileitwere
wholesome,wemightguesstheyrelievedushumanely;
buttheythinkwearetoodear:theleannessthatafflicts
us,theobjectofourmisery,isasaninventorytoparticularizetheirabundance;oursufferanceisagainto
them.Letusrevengethiswithourpikes,erewebecome
rakes:forthegodsknowIspeakthisinhungerfor
bread,notinthirstforrevenge.
SECONDCITIZEN .WouldyouproceedespeciallyagainstCa-
iusMarcius?
FIRSTCITIZEN .Againsthimfirst:he’saverydogtothe
commonalty.
SECONDCITIZEN .Consideryouwhatserviceshehasdone
forhiscountry?
FIRSTCITIZEN .Verywell;andcouldbecontenttogive
himgoodreportfor’t,butthathepayshimselfwith
beingproud.
SECONDCITIZEN .Nay,butspeaknotmaliciously.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Isayuntoyou,whathehathdonefa-
mouslyhedidittothatend:thoughsoft-conscienced
mencanbecontenttosayitwasforhiscountry,hedid
ittopleasehismother,andtobepartlyproud;which
heis,eventothealtitudeofhisvirtue.
SECONDCITIZEN .Whathecannothelpinhisnature,you
accountaviceinhim.Youmustinnowaysayheis
covetous.
FIRSTCITIZEN .IfImustnot,Ineednotbebarrenofac-
cusations:hehathfaults,withsurplus,totireinrepetition.(Shoutswithin)Whatshoutsarethese?Theother
sideo’thecityisrisen:whystaywepratinghere?Tothe
Capitol!
ALL.Come,come.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Soft!whocomeshere?
EnterMeneniusAgrippa
SECONDCITIZEN .WorthyMeneniusAgrippa;onethathath
alwayslovedthepeople.
FIRSTCITIZEN .He’sonehonestenough:wouldallthe
restwereso!
MENENIUS.Whatwork’s,mycountrymen,inhand?Where
goyou
Withbatsandclubs?Thematter?Speak,Iprayyou.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Ourbusinessisnotunknowntothesenate;
theyhavehadinklingthisfortnightwhatweintendto
do,whichnowwe’llshow’emindeeds.Theysaypoor
suitorshavestrongbreaths:theyshallknowwehave
strongarmstoo.
MENENIUS.Why,masters,mygoodfriends,minehonest
neighbours,
Willyouundoyourselves?
FIRSTCITIZEN .Wecannot,sir;weareundonealready.
MENENIUS.Itellyou,friends,mostcharitablecare
Havethepatriciansofyou.Foryourwants,
Yoursufferinginthisdearth,youmayaswell
Strikeattheheavenwithyourstavesasliftthem
AgainsttheRomanstate,whosecoursewillon
Thewayittakes,crackingtenthousandcurbs
Ofmorestronglinkasunderthancanever
Appearinyourimpediment.Forthedearth,
Thegods,notthepatricians,makeit,and
Yourkneestothem,notarms,musthelp.Alack!
Youaretransportedbycalamity
Thitherwheremoreattendsyou;andyouslander
Thehelmso’thestate,whocareforyoulikefathers,
Whenyoucursethemasenemies.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Careforus!True,indeed!Theyne’ercared
forusyet:sufferustofamish,andtheirstorehouses
crammedwithgrain;makeedictsforusury,tosupport
usurers;repealdailyanywholesomeactestablished
againsttherich,andprovidemorepiercingstatutes
dailytochainupandrestrainthepoor.Ifthewarseat
usnotup,theywill;andthere’sallthelovetheybear
us.
MENENIUS.Eitheryoumust
Confessyourselveswondrousmalicious,
Orbeaccus’doffolly.Ishalltellyou
Aprettytale:itmaybeyouhaveheardit;
But,sinceitservesmypurpose,Iwillventure
Toscale’talittlemore.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Well,I’llhearit,sir;yetyoumustnotthink
tofoboffourdisgracewithatale;but,an’tpleaseyou,
deliver.
MENENIUS.Therewasatimewhenallthebody’smembers
Rebell’dagainstthebelly;thusaccus’dit:
Thatonlylikeagulfitdidremain
I’themidsto’thebody,idleandunactive,
Stillcupboardingtheviand,neverbearing
Likelabourwiththerest,wheretheotherinstruments
Didseeandhear,devise,instruct,walk,feel,
And,mutuallyparticipate,didminister
Untotheappetiteandaffectioncommon
Ofthewholebody.Thebellyanswer ’d,—
FIRSTCITIZEN .Well,sir,whatanswermadethebelly?
MENENIUS.Sir,Ishalltellyou.—Withakindofsmile,
Whichne’ercamefromthelungs,buteventhus—
For,lookyou,Imaymakethebellysmile
Aswellasspeak—ittauntinglyreplied
Tothediscontentedmembers,themutinousparts
Thatenviedhisreceipt;evensomostfitly
Asyoumalignoursenatorsforthat
Theyarenotsuchasyou.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Yourbelly’sanswer?What!
Thekinglycrownedhead,thevigilanteye,
Thecounsellorheart,thearmoursoldier,
Oursteedtheleg,thetongueourtrumpeter,
Withothermunimentsandpettyhelps
Inthisourfabric,ifthatthey—
MENENIUS.Whatthen?—
’Foreme,thisfellowspeaks!whatthen?whatthen?
FIRSTCITIZEN .Shouldbythecormorantbellyberestrain’d,
Whoisthesinko’thebody,—
MENENIUS.Well,whatthen?
FIRSTCITIZEN .Theformeragents,iftheydidcomplain,
Whatcouldthebellyanswer?
MENENIUS.Iwilltellyou;
Ifyou’llbestowasmall,ofwhatyouhavelittle,
Patienceawhile,you’llhearthebelly’sanswer.
FIRSTCITIZEN .You’relongaboutit.
MENENIUS.Notemethis,goodfriend;
Yourmostgravebellywasdeliberate,
Notrashlikehisaccusers,andthusanswer ’d:
‘Trueisit,myincorporatefriends,’quothhe,
‘ThatIreceivethegeneralfoodatfirst,
Whichyoudoliveupon;andfititis;
BecauseIamthestore-houseandtheshop
Ofthewholebody:but,ifyoudoremember,
Isenditthroughtheriversofyourblood,
Eventothecourt,theheart,totheseato’thebrain;
And,throughthecranksandofficesofman,
Thestrongestnervesandsmallinferiorveins
Frommereceivethatnaturalcompetency
Wherebytheylive.Andthoughthatallatonce,
You,mygoodfriends,’—thissaysthebelly,markme,—
FIRSTCITIZEN .Ay,sir;well,well.
MENENIUS.‘Thoughallatoncecannot
SeewhatIdodeliverouttoeach,
YetIcanmakemyauditup,thatall
Frommedobackreceivetheflourofall,
Andleavemebutthebran.’Whatsayyouto’t?
FIRSTCITIZEN .Itwasananswer:howapplyyouthis?
MENENIUS.ThesenatorsofRomearethisgoodbelly,
Andyouthemutinousmembers;for,examine
Theircounselsandtheircares,digestthingsrightly
Touchingthewealo’thecommon,youshallfind
Nopublicbenefitwhichyoureceive
Butitproceedsorcomesfromthemtoyou,
Andnowayfromyourselves.Whatdoyouthink,
You,thegreattoeofthisassembly?
FIRSTCITIZEN .Ithegreattoe?Whythegreattoe?
MENENIUS.Forthat,beingoneo’thelowest,basest,poor-
est,
Ofthismostwiserebellion,thougo’stforemost:
Thourascal,thatareworstinbloodtorun,
Lead’stfirsttowinsomevantage.
Butmakeyoureadyyourstiffbatsandclubs:
Romeandherratsareatthepointofbattle;
Theonesidemusthavebale.
EnterCaiusMarcius
Hail,nobleMarcius!
MARCIUS.Thanks.—What’sthematter,youdissentious
rogues,
That,rubbingthepooritchofyouropinion,
Makeyourselvesscabs?
FIRSTCITIZEN .Wehaveeveryourgoodword.
MARCIUS.Hethatwillgivegoodwordstotheewillflatter
Beneathabhorring.Whatwouldyouhave,youcurs,
Thatlikenorpeacenorwar?theoneaffrightsyou,
Theothermakesyouproud.Hethattruststoyou,
Whereheshouldfindyoulions,findsyouhares;
Wherefoxes,geese:youarenosurer,no,
Thanisthecoaloffireupontheice,
Orhailstoneinthesun.Yourvirtueis,
Tomakehimworthywhoseoffencesubdueshim,
Andcursesthatjusticedidit.Whodeservesgreatness
Deservesyourhate;andyouraffectionsare
Asickman’sappetite,whodesiresmostthat
Whichwouldincreasehisevil.Hethatdepends
Uponyourfavoursswimswithfinsoflead
Andhewsdownoakswithrushes.Hangye!Trustye?
Witheveryminuteyoudochangeamind,
Andcallhimnoblethatwasnowyourhate,
Himvilethatwasyourgarland.What’sthematter,
Thatintheseseveralplacesofthecity
Youcryagainstthenoblesenate,who,
Underthegods,keepyouinawe,whichelse
Wouldfeedononeanother?What’stheirseeking?
MENENIUS.Forcornattheirownrates;whereoftheysay
Thecityiswellstor ’d.
MARCIUS.Hang’em!Theysay!
They’llsitbythefire,andpresumetoknow
What’sdonei’theCapitol;who’sliketorise,
Whothrives,andwhodeclines;sidefactions,andgive
out
Conjecturalmarriages;makingpartiesstrong,
Andfeeblingsuchasstandnotintheirliking,
Belowtheircobbledshoes.Theysaythere’sgrain
enough!
Wouldthenobilitylayasidetheirruth,
Andletmeusemysword,I’dmakeaquarry
Withthousandsofthesequarter ’dslaves,ashigh
AsIcouldpickmylance.
MENENIUS.Nay,thesearealmostthoroughlypersuaded;
Forthoughabundantlytheylackdiscretion,
Yetaretheypassingcowardly.But,Ibeseechyou,
Whatsaystheothertroop?
MARCIUS.Theyaredissolv’d:hang’em!
Theysaidtheywerean-hungry;sigh’dforthproverbs:
Thathungerbrokestonewalls;thatdogsmusteat;
Thatmeatwasmadeformouths;thatthegodssentnot
Cornfortherichmenonly.Withtheseshreds
Theyventedtheircomplainings;whichbeinganswer ’d,
Andapetitiongrantedthem,astrangeone,—
Tobreaktheheartofgenerosity,
Andmakeboldpowerlookpale,—theythrewtheircaps
Astheywouldhangthemonthehornso’themoon,
Shoutingtheiremulation.
MENENIUS.Whatisgrantedthem?
MARCIUS.Fivetribunestodefendtheirvulgarwisdoms,
Oftheirownchoice:one’sJuniusBrutus,
SiciniusVelutus,andIknownot—’Sdeath!
Therabbleshouldhavefirstunroof’dthecity,
Eresoprevail’dwithme;itwillintime
Winuponpower,andthrowforthgreaterthemes
Forinsurrection’sarguing.
MENENIUS.Thisisstrange.
MARCIUS.Go;getyouhome,youfragments!
EnteraMessenger,hastily
MESSENGER.Where’sCaiusMarcius?
MARCIUS.Here:what’sthematter?
MESSENGER.Thenewsis,sir,theVolscesareinarms.
MARCIUS.Iamgladon’t;thenweshallha’meanstovent
Ourmustysuperfluity.See,ourbestelders.
EnterCominius,TitusLartius,andotherSenators;
JuniusBrutusandSiciniusVelutus
FIRSTSENATOR.Marcius,’tistruethatyouhavelatelytold
us;
TheVolscesareinarms.
MARCIUS.Theyhavealeader,
TullusAufidius,thatwillputyouto’t.
Isininenvyinghisnobility,
AndwereIanythingbutwhatIam,
Iwouldwishmeonlyhe.
COMINIUS.Youhavefoughttogether.
MARCIUS.Werehalftohalftheworldbytheears,andhe
Uponmyparty,I’drevolt,tomake
Onlymywarswithhim:heisalion
ThatIamproudtohunt.
FIRSTSENATOR.Then,worthyMarcius,
AttenduponCominiustothesewars.
COMINIUS.Itisyourformerpromise.
MARCIUS.Sir,itis;
AndIamconstant.TitusLartius,thou
ShaltseemeoncemorestrikeatTullus’face.
What!artthoustiff?stand’stout?
TITUS.No,CaiusMarcius;
I’llleanupononecrutchandfightwitht’other,
Erestaybehindthisbusiness.
MENENIUS.O!true-bred.
FIRSTSENATOR.YourcompanytotheCapitol;whereI
know
Ourgreatestfriendsattendus.
TITUS.(ToCominius)Leadyouon:
(ToMarcius)FollowCominius;wemustfollowyou;
Rightworthyyoupriority.
COMINIUS.NobleMarcius!
FIRSTSENATOR.(TotheCitizens)Hence!toyourhomes!
begone.
MARCIUS.Nay,letthemfollow:
TheVolsceshavemuchcorn;taketheseratsthither
Tognawtheirgarners.Worshipfulmutineers,
Yourvalourputswellforth;pray,follow.
ExeuntSenators,Cominius,Marcius,
Titus,andMenenius.Citizensstealaway
SICINIUS.WasevermansoproudasisthisMarcius?
BRUTUS.Hehasnoequal.
SICINIUS.Whenwewerechosentribunesforthepeople,—
BRUTUS.Mark’dyouhislipandeyes?
SICINIUS.Nay,buthistaunts.
BRUTUS.Beingmov’d,hewillnotsparetogirdthegods.
SICINIUS.Bemockthemodestmoon.
BRUTUS.Thepresentwarsdevourhim;heisgrown
Tooproudtobesovaliant.
SICINIUS.Suchanature,
Tickledwithgoodsuccess,disdainstheshadow
Whichhetreadsonatnoon.ButIdowonder
Hisinsolencecanbrooktobecommanded
UnderCominius.
BRUTUS.Fame,atthewhichheaims,
Inwhomalreadyheiswellgrac’d,cannot
Betterbeheldnormoreattain’dthanby
Aplacebelowthefirst;forwhatmiscarries
Shallbethegeneral’sfault,thoughheperform
Totheutmostofaman;andgiddycensure
WillthencryoutofMarcius‘O!ifhe
Hadbornethebusiness.’
SICINIUS.Besides,ifthingsgowell,
Opinion,thatsosticksonMarcius,shall
OfhisdemeritsrobCominius.
BRUTUS.Come:
HalfallCominius’honoursaretoMarcius,
ThoughMarciusearn’dthemnot;andallhisfaults
ToMarciusshallbehonours,thoughindeed
Inaughthemeritnot.
SICINIUS.Let’shenceandhear
Howthedispatchismade;andinwhatfashion,
Morethanhissingularity,hegoes
Uponthispresentaction.
BRUTUS.Let’salong.Exeunt
SCENETWO
Corioli.TheSenate-house.
EnterTullusAufidiusandSenators
FIRSTSENATOR.So,youropinionis,Aufidius,
ThattheyofRomeareenter ’dinourcounsels,
Andknowhowweproceed.
AUFIDIUS.Isitnotyours?
Whateverhavebeenthoughtoninthisstate,
ThatcouldbebroughttobodilyactereRome
Hadcircumvention?’Tisnotfourdaysgone
SinceIheardthence;thesearethewords:Ithink
Ihavetheletterhere;yes,hereitis.
‘Theyhavepress’dapower,butitisnotknown
Whetherforeast,orwest:thedearthisgreat;
Thepeoplemutinous;anditisrumour ’d,
Cominius,Marcius,youroldenemy,—
WhoisofRomeworsehatedthanofyou,—
AndTitusLartius,amostvaliantRoman,
Thesethreeleadonthispreparation
Whither’tisbent:mostlikely’tisforyou:
Considerofit.’
FIRSTSENATOR.Ourarmy’sinthefield:
WeneveryetmadedoubtbutRomewasready
Toanswerus.
AUFIDIUS.Nordidyouthinkitfolly
Tokeepyourgreatpretencesveil’dtillwhen
Theyneedsmustshowthemselves;whichinthehatching,
Itseem’d,appear ’dtoRome.Bythediscovery
Weshallbeshorten’dinouraim,whichwas
TotakeinmanytownserealmostRome
Shouldknowwewereafoot.
SECONDSENATOR.NobleAufidius,
Takeyourcommission;hieyoutoyourbands;
LetusalonetoguardCorioli:
Iftheysetdownbefore’s,fortheremove
Bringupyourarmy;but,Ithinkyou’llfind
They’venotpreparedforus.
AUFIDIUS.O!doubtnotthat;
Ispeakfromcertainties.Nay,more;
Someparcelsoftheirpowerareforthalready,
Andonlyhitherward.Ileaveyourhonours.
IfweandCaiusMarciuschancetomeet,
’Tisswornbetweenusweshalleverstrike
Tillonecandonomore.
ALL.Thegodsassistyou!
AUFIDIUS.Andkeepyourhonourssafe!
FIRSTSENATOR.Farewell.
SECONDSENATOR.Farewell.
ALL.Farewell.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
Rome.ARoominMarcius’House.
EnterVolumniaandVirgilia:theysetthemdown
ontwolowstoolsandsew
VOLUMNIA.Iprayyou,daughter,sing;orexpressyourself
inamorecomfortablesort.Ifmysonweremyhusband,
Iwouldfreelierrejoiceinthatabsencewhereinhewon
honourthanintheembracementsofhisbedwherehe
wouldshowmostlove.Whenyethewasbuttenderbodiedandtheonlysonofmywomb,whenyouthwith
comelinesspluckedallgazehisway,whenforadayof
kings’entreatiesamothershouldnotsellhimanhour
fromherbeholding,I,consideringhowhonourwould
becomesuchaperson,thatitwasnobetterthanpicture-liketohangbythewall,ifrenownmadeitnot
stir,waspleasedtolethimseekdangerwherehewas
liketofindfame.ToacruelwarIsenthim;from
whencehereturned,hisbrowsboundwithoak.Itell
thee,daughter,Isprangnotmoreinjoyatfirsthearing
hewasaman-childthannowinfirstseeinghehad
provedhimselfaman.
VIRGILIA.Buthadhediedinthebusiness,madam;how
then?
VOLUMNIA.Then,hisgoodreportshouldhavebeenmy
son;Ithereinwouldhavefoundissue.Hearmeprofess
sincerely:hadIadozensons,eachinmylovealike,
andnonelessdearthanthineandmygoodMarcius,I
hadratherhadelevendienoblyfortheircountrythan
onevoluptuouslysurfeitoutofaction.
EnteraGentlewoman
GENTLEWOMAN .Madam,theLadyValeriaiscometovisit
you.
VIRGILIA.Beseechyou,givemeleavetoretiremyself.
VOLUMNIA.Indeed,youshallnot.
MethinksIhearhitheryourhusband’sdrum,
SeehimpluckAufidiusdownbythehair,
Aschildrenfromabear,theVolscesshunninghim:
MethinksIseehimstampthus,andcallthus:
‘Comeon,youcowards!youweregotinfear,
ThoughyouwereborninRome.’Hisbloodybrow
Withhismail’dhandthenwiping,forthhegoes,
Liketoaharvestmanthat’stask’dtomow
Orallorlosehishire.
VIRGILIA.Hisbloodybrow!OJupiter!noblood.
VOLUMNIA.Away,youfool!itmorebecomesaman
Thangilthistrophy:thebreastsofHecuba,
WhenshedidsuckleHector,look’dnotlovelier
ThanHector ’sforeheadwhenitspitforthblood
AtGrecianswords,contemning.TellValeria
Wearefittobidherwelcome.ExitGentlewoman
VIRGILIA.HeavensblessmylordfromfellAufidius!
VOLUMNIA.He’llbeatAufidius’headbelowhisknee,
Andtreaduponhisneck.
Re-enterGentlewoman,withValeriaandanUsher
VALERIA.Myladiesboth,gooddaytoyou.
VOLUMNIA.Sweetmadam.
VIRGILIA.Iamgladtoseeyourladyship.
VALERIA.Howdoyouboth?youaremanifesthousekeepers.Whatareyousewinghere?Afinespot,ingood
faith.Howdoesyourlittleson?
VIRGILIA.Ithankyourladyship;well,goodmadam.
VOLUMNIA.Hehadratherseetheswordsandhearadrum,
thanlookuponhisschoolmaster.
VALERIA.O’myword,thefather ’sson;I’llswear’tisa
veryprettyboy.O’mytroth,Ilookeduponhimo’
Wednesdayhalfanhourtogether:hehassuchaconfirmedcountenance.Isawhimrunafteragildedbutterfly;andwhenhecaughtit,heletitgoagain;andafter
itagain;andoverandoverhecomes,andupagain;
catcheditagain:orwhetherhisfallenragedhim,orhow
’twas,hedidsosethisteethandtearit;O!Iwarrant,
howhemammockedit!
VOLUMNIA.Oneon’sfather ’smoods.
VALERIA.Indeed,la,’tisanoblechild.
VIRGILIA.Acrack,madam.
VALERIA.Come,layasideyourstitchery;Imusthaveyou
playtheidlehuswifewithmethisafternoon.
VIRGILIA.No,goodmadam;Iwillnotoutofdoors.
VALERIA.Notoutofdoors!
VOLUMNIA.Sheshall,sheshall.
VIRGILIA.Indeed,no,byyourpatience;I’llnotoverthe
thresholdtillmylordreturnfromthewars.
VOLUMNIA.Fie!youconfineyourselfmostunreasonably.
Come;youmustgovisitthegoodladythatliesin.
VIRGILIA.Iwillwishherspeedystrength,andvisither
withmyprayers;butIcannotgothither.
VOLUMNIA.Why,Iprayyou?
VIRGILIA.’Tisnottosavelabour,northatIwantlove.
VALERIA.YouwouldbeanotherPenelope;yet,theysay,
alltheyarnshespuninUlysses’absencedidbutfill
Ithacafullofmoths.Come;Iwouldyourcambricwere
sensibleasyourfinger,thatyoumightleaveprickingit
forpity.Come,youshallgowithus.
VIRGILIA.No,goodmadam,pardonme;indeed,Iwillnot
forth.
VALERIA.Intruth,la,gowithme;andI’lltellyouexcel-
lentnewsofyourhusband.
VIRGILIA.O,goodmadam,therecanbenoneyet.
VALERIA.Verily,Idonotjestwithyou;therecamenews
fromhimlastnight.
VIRGILIA.Indeed,madam?
VALERIA.Inearnest,it’strue;Iheardasenatorspeakit.
Thusitis:TheVolsceshaveanarmyforth;againstwhom
Cominiusthegeneralisgone,withonepartofourRomanpower:yourlordandTitusLartiusaresetdown
beforetheircityCorioli;theynothingdoubtprevailing
andtomakeitbriefwars.Thisistrue,onminehonour;
andso,Ipray,gowithus.
VIRGILIA.Givemeexcuse,goodmadam;Iwillobeyyou
ineverythinghereafter.
VOLUMNIA.Letheralone,lady:assheisnowshewillbut
diseaseourbettermirth.
VALERIA.Introth,Ithinkshewould.Fareyouwellthen.
Come,goodsweetlady.Prithee,Virgilia,turnthysolemnessouto’door,andgoalongwithus.
VIRGILIA.No,ataword,madam;indeedImustnot.Iwish
youmuchmirth.
VALERIA.Wellthen,farewell.Exeunt
SCENEFOUR
BeforeCorioli.
Enter,withdrumandcolours,Marcius,TitusLartius,
Officers,andSoldiers.TothemaMessenger
MARCIUS.Yondercomesnews:awagertheyhavemet.
LARTIUS.Myhorsetoyours,no.
MARCIUS.’Tisdone.
LARTIUS.Agreed.
MARCIUS.Say,hasourgeneralmettheenemy?
MESSENGER.Theylieinview,buthavenotspokeasyet.
LARTIUS.Sothegoodhorseismine.
MARCIUS.I’llbuyhimofyou.
LARTIUS.No,I’llnorsellnorgivehim;lendyouhimIwill
Forhalfahundredyears.Summonthetown.
MARCIUS.Howfaroffliethesearmies?
MESSENGER.Withinthismileandhalf.
MARCIUS.Thenshallweheartheir’larum,andtheyours.
Now,Mars,Iprithee,makeusquickinwork,
Thatwewithsmokingswordsmaymarchfromhence,
Tohelpourfieldedfriends!Come,blowthyblast.
AParleysounded.Enter,ontheWalls,two
Senators,andOthers
TullusAufidius,ishewithinyourwalls?
FIRSTSENATOR.No,noramanthatfearsyoulessthanhe,
That’slesserthanalittle.Hark,ourdrums
Drumsafaroff
Arebringingforthouryouth:we’llbreakourwalls,
Ratherthantheyshallpoundusup:ourgates,
Whichyetseemshut,wehavebutpinn’dwithrushes:
They’llopenofthemselves.Harkyou,faroff!
Alarumafaroff
ThereisAufidius:list,whatworkhemakes
Amongstyourclovenarmy.
MARCIUS.O!theyareatit!
LARTIUS.Theirnoisebeourinstruction.Laddersho!
TheVolscesenter,andpassoverthestage
MARCIUS.Theyfearusnot,butissueforththeircity.
Nowputyourshieldsbeforeyourhearts,andfight
Withheartsmoreproofthanshields.Advance,brave
Titus:
Theydodisdainusmuchbeyondourthoughts,
Whichmakesmesweatwithwrath.Comeon,myfellows:
Hethatretires,I’lltakehimforaVolsce,
Andheshallfeelmineedge.
Alarum.TheRomansarebeatenbacktotheirtrenches.
Re-enterMarcius
MARCIUS.Allthecontagionofthesouthlightonyou,
YoushamesofRome!youherdof—Boilsandplagues
Plasteryouo’er,thatyoumaybeabhorr ’d
Fartherthanseen,andoneinfectanother
Againstthewindamile!Yousoulsofgeese,
Thatbeartheshapesofmen,howhaveyourun
Fromslavesthatapeswouldbeat!Plutoandhell!
Allhurtbehind;backsred,andfacespale
Withflightandagu’dfear!Mendandchargehome,
Or,bythefiresofheaven,I’llleavethefoe
Andmakemywarsonyou;lookto’t:comeon;
Ifyou’llstandfast,we’llbeatthemtotheirwives,
Astheyustoourtrenches.Followme!
Anotheralarum.TheVolscesandRomansre-enter,
andthefightisrenewed.TheVolscesretireintoCorioli.
Marciusfollowsthemtothegates,andisshutin
So,nowthegatesareope:nowprovegoodseconds:
’TisforthefollowersFortunewidensthem.
Notforthefliers:markme,anddothelike.
Heentersthegates
FIRSTSOLDIER.Foolhardiness!notI.
SECONDSOLDIER.NorI;
THIRDSOLDIER.See,theyhaveshuthimin.
Alarumcontinues
ALL.Tothepot,Iwarranthim.
Re-enterTitusLartius
LARTIUS.WhatisbecomeofMarcius?
ALL.Slain,sir,doubtless.
FIRSTSOLDIER.Followingthefliersattheveryheels
Withthemheenters;who,uponthesudden,
Clapp’dtotheirgates;heishimselfalone,
Toanswerallthecity.
LARTIUS.Onoblefellow!
Who,sensibly,outdareshissenselesssword,
And,whenitbows,standsup.Thouartleft,Marcius:
Acarbuncle,entire,asbigasthouart,
Werenotsorichajewel.Thouwastasoldier
EventoCato’swish,notfierceandterrible
Onlyinstrokes;but,withthygrimlooksand
Thethunder-likepercussionofthysounds,
Thoumad’stthineenemiesshake,asiftheworld
Werefeverousanddidtremble.
Re-enterMarcius,bleeding,assaultedbytheenemy
FIRSTSOLDIER.Look,sir!
LARTIUS.O!tisMarcius
Let’sfetchhimoff,ormakeremainalike.
Theyfight,andallenterthecity
SCENEFIVE
Corioli.AStreet.
EntercertainRomans,withspoils
FIRSTROMAN .ThiswillIcarrytoRome.
SECONDROMAN .AndIthis.
THIRDROMAN .Amurrainon’t!Itookthisforsilver.
Alarumcontinuesstillafaroff
EnterMarciusandTitusLartius,withatrumpet
MARCIUS.Seeherethesemoversthatdoprizetheirhours
Atacrack’ddrachme!Cushions,leadenspoons,
Ironsofadoit,doubletsthathangmenwould
Burywiththosethatworethem,thesebaseslaves,
Ereyetthefightbedone,packup.Downwiththem!
Andhark,whatnoisethegeneralmakes!Tohim!
Thereisthemanofmysoul’shate,Aufidius,
PiercingourRomans:then,valiantTitus,take
Convenientnumberstomakegoodthecity,
WhilstI,withthosethathavethespirit,willhaste
TohelpCominius.
LARTIUS.Worthysir,thoubleed’st;
Thyexercisehathbeentooviolent
Forasecondcourseoffight.
MARCIUS.Sir,praisemenot;
Myworkhathyetnotwarm’dme:fareyouwell:
ThebloodIdropisratherphysical
Thandangeroustome:toAufidiusthus
Iwillappear,andfight.
LARTIUS.Nowthefairgoddess,Fortune,
Falldeepinlovewiththee;andhergreatcharms
Misguidethyopposers’swords!Boldgentleman,
Prosperitybethypage!
MARCIUS.Thyfriendnoless
Thanthosesheplaceshighest:So,farewell.
LARTIUS.ThouworthiestMarcius!—ExitMarcius
Go,soundthytrumpetinthemarket-place;
Callthitheralltheofficersofthetown,
Wheretheyshallknowourmind.Away!Exeunt
SCENESIX
NeartheCampofCominius.
EnterCominiusandForces,retreating
COMINIUS.Breatheyou,myfriends:wellfought;weare
comeoff
LikeRomans,neitherfoolishinourstands,
Norcowardlyinretire:believeme,sirs,
Weshallbecharg’dagain.Whileswehavestruck,
Byinterimsandconveyinggustswehaveheard
Thechargesofourfriends.YeRomangods!
Leadtheirsuccessesaswewishourown,
Thatbothourpowers,withsmilingfrontsencountering.
Maygiveyouthankfulsacrifice
EnteraMessenger
Thynews?
MESSENGER.ThecitizensofCoriolihaveissu’d,
AndgiventoLartiusandtoMarciusbattle:
Isawourpartytotheirtrenchesdriven,
AndthenIcameaway.
COMINIUS.Thoughthouspeak’sttruth,
Methinksthouspeak’stnotwell.Howlongis’tsince?
MESSENGER.Aboveanhour,mylord.
COMINIUS.’Tisnotamile;brieflyweheardtheirdrums:
Howcouldstthouinamileconfoundanhour,
Andbringthynewssolate?
MESSENGER.SpiesoftheVolsces
Heldmeinchase,thatIwasforc’dtowheel
Threeorfourmilesabout;elsehadI,sir,
Halfanhoursincebroughtmyreport.
COMINIUS.Who’syonder,
Thatdoesappearashewereflay’d?Ogods!
HehasthestampofMarcius;andIhave
Before-timeseenhimthus.
MARCIUS.(Within)ComeItoolate?
COMINIUS.Theshepherdknowsnotthunderfromatabor,
MorethanIknowthesoundofMarcius’tongue
Fromeverymeanerman.
EnterMarcius
MARCIUS.ComeItoolate?
COMINIUS.Ay,ifyoucomenotinthebloodofothers,
Butmantledinyourown.
MARCIUS.O!letmeclipye
InarmsassoundaswhenIwoo’d,inheart
Asmerryaswhenournuptialdaywasdone,
Andtapersburn’dtobedward.
COMINIUS.Flowerofwarriors
Howis’twithTitusLartius?
MARCIUS.Aswithamanbusiedaboutdecrees:
Condemningsometodeath,andsometoexile;
Ransominghim,orpitying,threateningtheother;
HoldingCorioliinthenameofRome,
Evenlikeafawninggreyhoundintheleasb,
Tolethimslipatwill.
COMINIUS.Whereisthatslave
Whichtoldmetheyhadbeatyoutoyourtrenches?
Whereishe?Callhimhither.
MARCIUS.Lethimalone:
Hedidinformthetruth;butforourgentlemen,
Thecommonfile—aplague!tribunesforthem!—
Themousene’ershunn’dthecatastheydidbudge
Fromrascalsworsethanthey.
COMINIUS.Buthowprevail’dyou?
MARCIUS.Willthetimeservetotell?Idonotthink.
Whereistheenemy?Areyoulordso’thefield?
Ifnot,whyceaseyoutillyouareso?
COMINIUS.Marcius,wehaveatdisadvantagefought,
Anddidretiretowinourpurpose.
MARCIUS.Howliestheirbattle?Knowyouonwhichside
Theyhaveplac’dtheirmenoftrust?
COMINIUS.AsIguess,Marcius,
Theirbandsi’thevawardaretheAntiates,
Oftheirbesttrust;o’erthemAufidius,
Theirveryheartofhope.
MARCIUS.Idobeseechyou,
Byallthebattleswhereinwehavefought,
Bythebloodwehaveshedtogether,bythevows
Wehavemadetoendurefriends,thatyoudirectly
SetmeagainstAufidiusandhisAntiates;
Andthatyounotdelaythepresent,but,
Fillingtheairwithswordsadvanc’danddarts,
Weprovethisveryhour.
COMINIUS.ThoughIcouldwish
Youwereconductedtoagentlebath,
Andbalmsappliedtoyou,yetdareInever
Denyyourasking:takeyourchoiceofthose
Thatbestcanaidyouraction.
MARCIUS.Thosearethey
Thatmostarewilling.Ifanysuchbehere—
Asitweresintodoubt—thatlovethispainting
Whereinyouseemesmear ’d;ifanyfear
Lesserhispersonthananillreport;
Ifanythinkbravedeathoutweighsbadlife,
Andthathiscountry’sdearerthanhimself;
Lethim,alone,orsomanysominded,
Wavethus,toexpresshisdisposition,
AndfollowMarcius.
Theyallshout,andwavetheirswords;takehim
upintheirarms,andcastuptheircaps
O!mealone?Makeyouaswordofme?
Iftheseshowsbenotoutward,whichofyou
ButisfourVolsces?Noneofyoubutis
AbletobearagainstthegreatAufidius
Ashieldashardashis.Acertainnumber,
Thoughthankstoall,mustIselectfromall:therest
Shallbearthebusinessinsomeotherfight,
Ascausewillbeobey’d.Pleaseyoutomarch;
Andfourshallquicklydrawoutmycommand,
Whichmenarebestinclin’d.
COMINIUS.Marchon,myfellows:
Makegoodthisostentation,andyoushall
Divideinallwithus.Exeunt
SCENESEVEN
TheGatesofCorioli.
TitusLartius,havingsetaguarduponCorioli,goingwith
drumandtrumpettowardsCominiusandCaiusMarcius,
enterswithaLieutenant,apartyof
Soldiers,andaScout
LARTIUS.So;lettheportsbeguarded:keepyourduties,
AsIhavesetthemdown.IfIdosend,dispatch
Thosecenturiestoouraid;therestwillserve
Forashortholding:ifwelosethefield,
Wecannotkeepthetown.
LIEUTENANT.Fearnotourcare,sir.
LARTIUS.Hence,andshutyourgatesuponus.
Ourguider,come;totheRomancampconductus.
Exeunt
SCENEEIGHT
AFieldofBattlebetweentheRomanand
theVolscianCamps
Alarum.EnterfromoppositesidesMarciusandAufidius
MARCIUS.I’llfightwithnonebutthee;forIdohatethee
Worsethanapromise-breaker.
AUFIDIUS.Wehatealike:
NotAfricownsaserpentIabhor
Morethanthyfameandenvy.Fixthyfoot.
MARCIUS.Letthefirstbudgerdietheother ’sslave,
Andthegodsdoomhimafter!
AUFIDIUS.IfIfly,Marcius,
Halloomelikeahare.
MARCIUS.Withinthesethreehours,Tullus,
AloneIfoughtinyourCorioliwalls,
AndmadewhatworkIpleas’d;’tisnotmyblood
Whereinthouseestmemask’d;forthyrevenge
Wrenchupthypowertothehighest.
AUFIDIUS.WertthoutheHector
Thatwasthewhipofyourbragg’dprogeny,
Thoushouldstnot’scapemehere.—
Theyfight,andcertainVolscescome
totheaidofAufidius
Officious,andnotvaliant,youhavesham’dme
Inyourcondemnedseconds.
Exeuntfighting,alldriveninbyMarcius
SCENENINE
TheRomanCamp.
Alarum.Aretreatsounded.Flourish.Enterfromoneside,
CominiusandRomans;fromtheotherside,Marcius,
withhisarminascarf,andotherRomans
COMINIUS.IfIshouldtelltheeo’erthisthyday’swork,
Thou’ltnotbelievethydeeds:butI’llreportit
Wheresenatorsshallmingletearswithsmiles,
Wheregreatpatriciansshallattendandshrug,
I’theend,admire;whereladiesshallbefrighted,
And,gladlyquak’d,hearmore;wherethedulltribunes,
That,withthefustyplebeians,hatethinehonours,
Shallsay,againsttheirhearts,
‘WethankthegodsourRomehathsuchasoldier!’
Yetcam’stthoutoamorselofthisfeast,
Havingfullydin’dbefore.
EnterTitusLartius,withhispower,fromthepursuit
LARTIUS.Ogeneral.
Hereisthesteed,wethecaparison:
Had’stthoubeheld—
MARCIUS.Praynow,nomore:mymother,
Whohasachartertoextolherblood,
Whenshedoespraisemegrievesme.Ihavedone
Asyouhavedone;that’swhatIcan;induc’d
Asyouhavebeen;that’sformycountry:
Hethathasbuteffectedhisgoodwill
Hathoverta’enmineact.
COMINIUS.Youshallnotbe
Thegraveofyourdeserving;Romemustknow
Thevalueofherown:’twereaconcealment
Worsethanatheft,nolessthanatraducement,
Tohideyourdoings;andtosilencethat,
Which,tothespireandtopofpraisesvouch’d,
Wouldseembutmodest.Therefore,Ibeseechyou,—
Insignofwhatyouare,nottoreward
Whatyouhavedone,—beforeourarmyhearme.
MARCIUS.Ihavesomewoundsuponme,andtheysmart
Tohearthemselvesremember ’d.
COMINIUS.Shouldtheynot,
Wellmighttheyfester’gainstingratitude,
Andtentthemselveswithdeath.Ofallthehorses,
Whereofwehaveta’engood,andgoodstore,ofall
Thetreasure,inthisfieldachiev’dandcity,
Werenderyouthetenth;tobeta’enforth,
Beforethecommondistribution,
Atyouronlychoice.
MARCIUS.Ithankyou,general;
Butcannotmakemyheartconsenttotake
Abribetopaymysword:Idorefuseit;
Andstanduponmycommonpartwiththose
Thathavebeheldthedoing.
Alongflourish.Theyallcry
‘Marcius!Marcius!’castuptheircaps
andlances;CominiusandLartiusstandbare
MARCIUS.Maythesesameinstruments,whichyouprofane,
Neversoundmore!Whendrumsandtrumpetsshall
I’thefieldproveflatterers,letcourtsandcitiesbe
Madealloffalse-fac’dsoothing!
Whensteelgrowssoftasistheparasite’ssilk,
Lethimbemadeacovertureforthewars!
Nomore,Isay!ForthatIhavenotwash’d
Mynosethatbled,orfoil’dsomedebilewretch,
Which,withoutnote,here’smanyelsehavedone,
Youshoutmeforth
Inacclamationshyperbolical;
AsifIlov’dmylittleshouldbedieted
Inpraisessauc’dwithlies.
COMINIUS.Toomodestareyou;
Morecrueltoyourgoodreportthangrateful
Tousthatgiveyoutruly.Byyourpatience,
If’gainstyourselfyoubeincens’d,we’llputyou,
Likeonethatmeanshisproperharm,inmanacles,
Thenreasonsafelywithyou.Therefore,beitknown,
Astous,toalltheworld,thatCaiusMarcius
Wearsthiswar ’sgarland;intokenofthewhich,
Mynoblesteed,knowntothecamp,Igivehim,
Withallhistrimbelonging;andfromthistime,
ForwhathedidbeforeCorioli,callhim,
Withalltheapplauseandclamourofthehost,
CAIUSMARCIUSCORIOLANUS!Bear
Theadditionnoblyever!
ALL.CaiusMarciusCoriolanus!
Flourish.Trumpetssound,anddrums
CORIOLANUS.Iwillgowash;
Andwhenmyfaceisfair,youshallperceive
WhetherIblush,orno:howbeit,Ithankyou.
Imeantostrideyoursteed,andatalltimes
Toundercrestyourgoodaddition
Tothefairnessofmypower.
COMINIUS.So,toourtent;
Where,erewedoreposeus,wewillwrite
ToRomeofoursuccess.You,TitusLartius,
MusttoCorioliback:sendustoRome
Thebest,withwhomwemayarticulate,
Fortheirowngoodandours.
LARTIUS.Ishall,mylord.
CORIOLANUS.Thegodsbegintomockme.I,thatnow
Refus’dmostprincelygifts,amboundtobeg
Ofmylordgeneral.
COMINIUS.Takeit;’tisyours.Whatis’t?
CORIOLANUS.IsometimelayhereinCorioli
Atapoorman’shouse;heus’dmekindly:
Hecriedtome;Isawhimprisoner;
ButthenAufidiuswaswithinmyview,
Andwratho’erwhelm’dmypity:Irequestyou
Togivemypoorhostfreedom.
COMINIUS.O!wellbegg’d
Werehethebutcherofmyson,heshould
Befreeasisthewind.Deliverhim,Titus.
LARTIUS.Marcius,hisname?
CORIOLANUS.ByJupiter!forgot.
Iamweary;yea,mymemoryistir ’d.
Havewenowinehere?
COMINIUS.Gowetoourtent:
Theblooduponyourvisagedries;’tistime
Itshouldbelook’dto:come.Exeunt
SCENETEN
TheCampoftheVolsces.
AFlourish.Cornets.EnterTullusAufidius,bloody,
withtwoorthreeSoldiers
AUFIDIUS.Thetownista’en!
FIRSTSOLDIER.’Twillbedeliver ’dbackongoodcondition.
AUFIDIUS.Condition!
IwouldIwereaRoman;forIcannot,
BeingaVolsce,bethatIam.Condition!
Whatgoodconditioncanatreatyfind
I’thepartthatisatmercy?Fivetimes,Marcius,
Ihavefoughtwiththee;sooftenhastthoubeatme,
Andwouldstdoso,Ithink,shouldweencounter
Asoftenasweeat.Bytheelements,
Ife’eragainImeethimbeardtobeard,
Heismine,orIamhis:mineemulation
Hathnotthathonourin’tithad;forwhere
Ithoughttocrushhiminanequalforce—
Trueswordtosword—I’llporchathimsomeway
Orwrathorcraftmaygethim.
FIRSTSOLDIER.He’sthedevil.
AUFIDIUS.Bolder,thoughnotsosubtle.Myvalour’s
poison’d
Withonlysufferingstainbyhim;forhim
Shallflyoutofitself.Norsleepnorsanctuary,
Beingnaked,sick,norfanenorCapitol,
Theprayersofpriests,nortimesofsacrifice,
Embarquementsalloffury,shallliftup
Theirrottenprivilegeandcustom’gainst
MyhatetoMarcius.WhereIfindhim,wereit
Athome,uponmybrother ’sguard,eventhere,
Againstthehospitablecanon,wouldI
Washmyfiercehandin’sheart.Goyoutothecity;
Learnhow’tisheld,andwhattheyarethatmust
BehostagesforRome.
FIRSTSOLDIER.Willnotyougo?
AUFIDIUS.Iamattendedatthecypressgrove:Iprayyou—
’Tissouththecitymills—bringmewordthither
Howtheworldgoes,thattothepaceofit
Imayspuronmyjourney.
FIRSTSOLDIER.Ishall,sir.Exeunt
ACTTWO
SCENEONE
Rome.APublicPlace.
EnterMenenius,Sicinius,andBrutus
MENENIUS.Theaugurertellsmeweshallhavenewstonight.
BRUTUS.Goodorbad?
MENENIUS.Notaccordingtotheprayerofthepeople,for
theylovenotMarcius.
SICINIUS.Natureteachesbeaststoknowtheirfriends.
MENENIUS.Prayyou,whodoesthewolflove?
SICINIUS.Thelamb.
MENENIUS.Ay,todevourhim;asthehungryplebeians
wouldthenobleMarcius.
BRUTUS.He’salambindeed,thatbaeslikeabear.
MENENIUS.He’sabearindeed,thatliveslikealamb.You
twoareoldmen;tellmeonethingthatIshallaskyou.
SICINIUS.
BRUTUS.
Well,sir.
MENENIUS.InwhatenormityisMarciuspoorin,thatyou
twohavenotinabundance?
BRUTUS.He’spoorinnoonefault,butstoredwithall.
SICINIUS.Especiallyinpride.
BRUTUS.Andtoppingallothersinboasting.
MENENIUS.Thisisstrangenow:doyoutwoknowhowyou
arecensuredhereinthecity,Imeanofuso’therighthandfile?Doyou?
BOTH.Why,howarewecensured?
MENENIUS.Becauseyoutalkofpridenow,—Willyounot
beangry?
BOTH.Well,well,sir;well.
MENENIUS.Why,’tisnogreatmatter;foraverylittlethief
ofoccasionwillrobyouofagreatdealofpatience:give
yourdispositionsthereins,andbeangryatyourpleasures;attheleast,ifyoutakeitasapleasuretoyouin
beingso.YoublameMarciusforbeingproud?
BRUTUS.Wedoitnotalone,sir.
MENENIUS.Iknowyoucandoverylittlealone;foryour
helpsaremany,orelseyouractionswouldgrowwondroussingle:yourabilitiesaretooinfant-like,fordoing
muchalone.Youtalkofpride:O!thatyoucouldturn
youreyestowardsthenapesofyournecks,andmake
butaninteriorsurveyofyourgoodselves.O!thatyou
could.
BRUTUS.Whatthen,sir?
MENENIUS.Why,thenyoushoulddiscoverabraceofun-
meriting,proud,violent,testymagistrates—aliasfools—
asanyinRome.
SICINIUS.Menenius,youareknownwellenoughtoo.
MENENIUS.Iamknowntobeahumorouspatrician,and
onethatlovesacupofhotwinewithnotadropofallayingTiberin’t;saidtobesomethingimperfectinfavouringthefirstcomplaint;hastyandtinder-likeupontoo
trivialmotion;onethatconversesmorewiththebuttock
ofthenightthanwiththeforeheadofthemorning.
WhatIthinkIutter,andspendmymaliceinmybreath.
Meetingtwosuchwealsmenasyouare,—Icannotcall
youLycurguses,—ifthedrinkyougivemetouchmy
palateadversely,Imakeacrookedfaceatit.Icannot
sayyourworshipshavedeliveredthematterwellwhen
Ifindtheassincompoundwiththemajorpartofyour
syllables;andthoughImustbecontenttobearwith
thosethatsayyouarereverendgravemen,yettheylie
deadlythattellyouyouhavegoodfaces.Ifyouseethis
inthemapofmymicrocosm,followsitthatIamknown
wellenoughto?Whatharmcanyourbissonconspectuitiesgleanoutofthischaracter,ifIbeknownwell
enoughtoo?
BRUTUS.Come,sir,come,weknowyouwellenough.
MENENIUS.Youknowneitherme,yourselves,norany-
thing.Youareambitiousforpoorknaves’capsandlegs;
youwearoutagoodwholesomeforenooninhearinga
causebetweenanorange-wifeandafosset-seller,and
thenrejointhecontroversyofthree-pencetoasecond
dayofaudience.Whenyouarehearingamatterbetweenpartyandparty,ifyouchancetobepinched
withthecolic,youmakefaceslikemummers,setupthe
bloodyflagagainstallpatience,and,inroaringfora
chamber-pot,dismissthecontroversybleeding,themore
entangledbyyourhearing:allthepeaceyoumakein
theircauseis,callingboththepartiesknaves.Youarea
pairofstrangeones.
BRUTUS.Come,come,youarewellunderstoodtobeaper-
fectergiberforthetablethananecessarybencherinthe
Capitol.
MENENIUS.Ourverypriestsmustbecomemockersifthey
shallencountersuchridiculoussubjectsasyouare.
Whenyouspeakbestuntothepurposeitisnotworth
thewaggingofyourbeards;andyourbeardsdeserve
notsohonourableagraveastostuffabotcher ’scushion,
ortobeentombedinanass’spack-saddle.Yetyoumust
besayingMarciusisproud;who,inacheapestimation,
isworthallyourpredecessorssinceDeucalion,though
peradventuresomeofthebestof’emwerehereditary
hangmen.Gooddentoyourworships:moreofyourconversationwouldinfectmybrain,beingtheherdsmenof
thebeastlyplebeians:Iwillbeboldtotakemyleaveof
you.BrutusandSiciniusgoaside
EnterVolumnia,Virgilia,andValeria
Hownow,myasfairasnobleladies,—andthemoon,
weresheearthly,nonobler,—whitherdoyoufollowyour
eyessofast?
VOLUMNIA.HonourableMenenius,myboyMarciusap-
proaches;fortheloveofJuno,let’sgo.
MENENIUS.Ha!Marciuscominghome?
VOLUMNIA.Ay,worthyMenenius;andwithmostprosper-
ousapprobation.
MENENIUS.Takemycap,Jupiter,andIthankthee.Hoo!
Marciuscominghome!
VOLUMNIA.
VIRGILIA.
Nay,’tistrue.
VOLUMNIA.Look,here’saletterfromhim:thestatehath
another,hiswifeanother;and,Ithink,there’soneat
homeforyou.
MENENIUS.Iwillmakemyveryhousereelto-night.Alet-
terforme!
VIRGILIA.Yes,certain,there’saletterforyou;Isawit.
MENENIUS.Aletterforme!Itgivesmeanestateofseven
years’health;inwhichtimeIwillmakealipatthephysician:themostsovereignprescriptioninGalenisbut
empiricutic,and,tothispreservative,ofnobetterreport
thanahorse-drench.Ishenotwounded?hewaswontto
comehomewounded.
VIRGILIA.O!no,no,no.
VOLUMNIA.O!heiswounded,Ithankthegodsfor’t.
MENENIUS.SodoItoo,ifitbenottoomuch.Bringsa’
victoryinhispocket?Thewoundsbecomehim.
VOLUMNIA.On’sbrows,Menenius;hecomesthethird
timehomewiththeoakengarland.
MENENIUS.HashedisciplinedAufidiussoundly?
VOLUMNIA.TitusLartiuswritestheyfoughttogether,but
Aufidiusgotoff.
MENENIUS.And’twastimeforhimtoo,I’llwarranthim
that:anhehadstayedbyhimIwouldnothavebeenso
fidiusedforallthechestsinCorioli,andthegoldthat’s
inthem.Isthesenatepossessedofthis?
VOLUMNIA.Goodladies,let’sgo.Yes,yes,yes;thesenate
haslettersfromthegeneral,whereinhegivesmyson
thewholenameofthewar.Hehathinthisactionoutdonehisformerdeedsdoubly.
VALERIA.Introththere’swondrousthingsspokeofhim.
MENENIUS.Wondrous!ay,Iwarrantyou,andnotwithout
histruepurchasing.
VIRGILIA.Thegodsgrantthemtrue!
VOLUMNIA.True!pow,wow.
MENENIUS.True!I’llbesworntheyaretrue.Whereishe
wounded?(TotheTribunes)Godsaveyourgoodworships!Marciusiscominghome:hehasmorecausetobe
proud.(ToVolumnia)Whereishewounded?
VOLUMNIA.I’theshoulder,andi’theleftarm:therewill
belargecicatricestoshowthepeoplewhenheshall
standforhisplace.HereceivedintherepulseofTarquinsevenhurtsi’thebody.
MENENIUS.Onei’theneck,andtwoi’thethigh,there’s
ninethatIknow.
VOLUMNIA.Hehad,beforethislastexpedition,twenty-five
woundsuponhim.
MENENIUS.Now,it’stwenty-seven:everygashwasan
enemy’sgrave.(Ashoutandflourish)Hark!thetrumpets.
VOLUMNIA.ThesearetheushersofMarcius:beforehim
hecarriesnoise,andbehindhimheleavestears:
Death,thatdarkspirit,in’snervyarmdothlie;
Which,beingadvanc’d,declines,andthenmendie.
ASennet.Trumpetssound.EnterCominiusand
TitusLartius;betweenthem,Coriolanus,crownedwithan
oakengarland;withCaptains,Soldiers,andaHerald
HERALD.Know,Rome,thatallaloneMarciusdidfight
WithinCorioligates:wherehehathwon,
Withfame,anametoCaiusMarcius;these
InhonourfollowsCoriolanus.
WelcometoRome,renownedCoriolanus!Flourish
ALL.WelcometoRome,renownedCoriolanus!
CORIOLANUS.Nomoreofthis;itdoesoffendmyheart:
Praynow,nomore.
COMINIUS.Look,sir,yourmother!
CORIOLANUS.O!
Youhave,Iknow,petition’dallthegods
Formyprosperity.Kneels
VOLUMNIA.Nay,mygoodsoldier,up;
MygentleMarcius,worthyCaius,and
Bydeed-achievinghonournewlynam’d,—
Whatisit?—CoriolanusmustIcallthee?
ButO!thywife!—
CORIOLANUS.Mygracioussilence,hail!
Wouldstthouhavelaugh’dhadIcomecoffin’dhome,
Thatweep’sttoseemetriumphœAh!mydear,
SucheyesthewidowsinCorioliwear,
Andmothersthatlacksons.
MENENIUS.Now,thegodscrownthee!
CORIOLANUS.Andliveyoulet?(ToValeria)Omysweet
lady,pardon.
VOLUMNIA.Iknownotwheretoturn:O!welcomehome;
Andwelcome,general;andye’rewelcomeall.
MENENIUS.Ahundredthousandwelcomes:Icouldweep,
AndIcouldlaugh;Iamlight,andheavy.Welcome.
Acursebegnawatveryrooton’sheart
Thatisnotgladtoseethee!Youarethree
ThatRomeshoulddoteon;yet,bythefaithofmen,
Wehavesomeoldcrab-treeshereathomethatwillnot
Begraftedtoyourrelish.Yet,welcome,warriors:
Wecallanettlebutanettle,and
Thefaultsoffoolsbutfolly.
COMINIUS.Everright.
CORIOLANUS.Menenius,ever,ever.
HERALD.Givewaythere,andgoon!
CORIOLANUS.(ToVolumniaandVirgilia)Yourhand,and
yours:
EreinourownhouseIdoshademyhead,
Thegoodpatriciansmustbevisited;
FromwhomIhavereceiv’dnotonlygreetings,
Butwiththemchangeofhonours.
VOLUMNIA.Ihaveliv’d
Toseeinheritedmyverywishes,
Andthebuildingsofmyfancy:only
There’sonethingwanting,whichIdoubtnotbut
OurRomewilleastuponthee.
CORIOLANUS.Know,goodmother,
Ihadratherbetheirservantinmyway
Thanswaywiththemintheirs.
COMINIUS.On,totheCapitol!
Flourish.Cornets.Exeunt
instate,asbefore.TheTribunesremain
BRUTUS.Alltonguesspeakofhim,andtheblearedsights
Arespectacledtoseehim:yourprattlingnurse
Intoaraptureletsherbabycry
Whileshechatshim;thekitchenmalkinpins
Herrichestlockram’boutherreechyneck,
Clamberingthewallstoeyehim:stalls,bulks,windows.
Aresmother ’dup,leadsfill’d,andridgeshors’d
Withvariablecomplexions,allagreeing
Inearnestnesstoseehim:seld-shownflamens
Dopressamongthepopularthrongs,andpuff
Towinavulgarstation:ourveil’ddames
Committhewarofwhiteanddamaskin
Theirnicely-gawdedcheekstothewantonspoil
OfPhœbus’burningkisses:suchapother
Asifthatwhatsoevergodwholeadshim
Wereslilycreptintohishumanpowers,
Andgavehimgracefulposture.
SICINIUS.Onthesudden
Iwarranthimconsul.
BRUTUS.Thenourofficemay,
Duringhispower,gosleep.
SICINIUS.Hecannottemperatelytransporthishonours
Fromwhereheshouldbeginandend,butwill
Losethosehehathwon.
BRUTUS.Inthatthere’scomfort.
SICINIUS.Doubtnot,thecommoners,forwhomwestand,
Buttheyupontheirancientmalicewill
Forgetwiththeleastcausethesehisnewhonours,
Whichthathe’llgivethem,makeIaslittlequestion
Asheisproudtodo’t.
BRUTUS.Iheardhimswear,
Werehetostandforconsul,neverwouldhe
Appeari’themarket-place,noronhimput
Thenaplessvestureofhumility;
Nor,showing,asthemanneris,hiswounds
Tothepeople,begtheirstinkingbreaths.
SICINIUS.’Tisright.
BRUTUS.Itwashisword.O!hewouldmissitrather
Thancarryitbutbythesuito’thegentrytohim
Andthedesireofthenobles.
SICINIUS.Iwishnobetter
Thanhavehimholdthatpurposeandtoputit
Inexecution.
BRUTUS.’Tismostlikehewill.
SICINIUS.Itshallbetohimthen,asourgoodwills,
Asuredestruction.
BRUTUS.Soitmustfallout
Tohimorourauthorities.Foranend,
Wemustsuggestthepeopleinwhathatred
Hestillhathheldthem;thattohispowerhewould
Havemadethemmules,silenc’dtheirpleaders,and
Dispropertiedtheirfreedoms;holdingthem,
Inhumanactionandcapacity,
Ofnomoresoulnorfitnessfortheworld
Thancamelsinthewar;whohavetheirprovand
Onlyforbearingburdens,andsoreblows
Forsinkingunderthem.
SICINIUS.This,asyousay,suggested
Atsometimewhenhissoaringinsolence
Shallteachthepeople—whichtimeshallnotwant,
Ifhebeputupon’t;andthat’saseasy
Astosetdogsonsheep—willbehisfire
Tokindletheirdrystubble;andtheirblaze
Shalldarkenhimforever.
EnteraMessenger
BRUTUS.What’sthematter?
MESSENGER.YouaresentfortotheCapitol.’Tisthought
ThatMarciusshallbeconsul.
Ihaveseenthedumbmenthrongtoseehim,and
Theblindtohearhimspeak:matronsflunggloves,
Ladiesandmaidstheirscarfsandhandkerchers
Uponhimashepass’d;thenoblesbended
AstoJove’sstatue,andthecommonsmade
Ashowerandthunderwiththeircapsandshouts:
Ineversawthelike.
BRUTUS.Let’stotheCapitol;
Andcarrywithusearsandeyesforthetime,
Butheartsfortheevent.
SICINIUS.Havewithyou.Exeunt
SCENETWO
TheSame.TheCapitol.
EntertwoOfficerstolaycushions
FIRSTOFFICER.Come,come,theyarealmosthere.How
manystandforconsulships?
SECONDOFFICER.Three,theysay;but’tisthoughtofevery
oneCoriolanuswillcarryit.
FIRSTOFFICER.That’sabravefellow;buthe’svengeance
proud,andlovesnotthecommonpeople.
SECONDOFFICER.Faith,therehavebeenmanygreatmen
thathaveflatteredthepeople,whone’erlovedthem;
andtherebemanythattheyhavelov’d,theyknownot
wherefore:sothatiftheylovetheyknownotwhy,they
hateuponnobetteraground.Therefore,forCoriolanus
neithertocarewhethertheyloveorhatehimmanifests
thetrueknowledgehehasintheirdisposition;andout
ofhisnoblecarelessnessletsthemplainlysee’t.
FIRSTOFFICER.Ifhedidnotcarewhetherhehadtheir
loveorno,hewavedindifferently’twixtdoingthem
neithergoodnorharm;butheseekstheirhatewith
greaterdevotionthantheycanrenderithim;andleaves
nothingundonethatmayfullydiscoverhimtheiropposite.Now,toseemtoaffectthemaliceanddispleasure
ofthepeopleisasbadasthatwhichhedislikes,toflatterthemfortheirlove.
SECONDOFFICER.Hehathdeservedworthilyofhiscoun-
try;andhisascentisnotbysucheasydegreesasthose
who,havingbeensuppleandcourteoustothepeople,
bonneted,withoutanyfurtherdeedtohavethematall
intotheirestimationandreport;buthehathsoplanted
hishonoursintheireyes,andhisactionsintheirhearts,
thatfortheirtonguestobesilent,andnotconfessso
much,wereakindofingratefulinjury;toreportotherwise,wereamalice,that,givingitselfthelie,would
pluckreproofandrebukefromeveryearthatheardit.
FIRSTOFFICER.Nomoreofhim;heisaworthyman:make
way,theyarecoming.
ASennet.Enter,withLictorsbeforethem,Cominius
theConsul,Menenius,Coriolanus,manyotherSenators,
SiciniusandBrutus.TheSenatorstaketheirplaces;the
Tribunestaketheirsalsobythemselves
MENENIUS.Havingdetermin’doftheVolsces,and
TosendforTitusLartius,itremains
Asthemainpointofthisourafter-meeting,
Togratifyhisnobleservicethat
Haththusstoodforhiscountry:therefore,pleaseyou,
Mostreverendandgraveelders,todesire
Thepresentconsul,andlastgeneral
Inourwell-foundsuccesses,toreport
Alittleofthatworthyworkperform’d
ByCaiusMarciusCoriolanus,whom
Wemeetherebothtothankandtoremember
Withhonourslikehimself.
FIRSTSENATOR.Speak,goodCominius:
Leavenothingoutforlength,andmakeusthink
Ratherourstate’sdefectiveforrequital,
Thanwetostretchitout.(TotheTribunes)Masterso’
thepeople,
Wedorequestyourkindestears,and,after,
Yourlovingmotiontowardthecommonbody,
Toyieldwhatpasseshere.
SICINIUS.Weareconvented
Uponapleasingtreaty,andhavehearts
Inclinabletohonourandadvance
Thethemeofourassembly.
BRUTUS.Whichtherather
Weshallbebless’dtodo,ifheremember
Akindervalueofthepeoplethan
Hehathheretopriz’dthemat.
MENENIUS.That’soff,that’soff;
Iwouldyouratherhadbeensilent.Pleaseyou
TohearCominiusspeak?
BRUTUS.Mostwillingly;
Butyetmycautionwasmorepertinent
Thantherebukeyougiveit.
MENENIUS.Helovesyourpeople;
Buttiehimnottobetheirbedfellow.
WorthyCominius,speak.
Coriolanusrises,andofferstogoaway
Nay,keepyourplace.
FIRSTSENATOR.Sit,Coriolanus;nevershametohear
Whatyouhavenoblydone.
CORIOLANUS.Yourhonours’pardon:
Ihadratherhavemywoundstohealagain
ThanhearsayhowIgotthem.
BRUTUS.Sir,Ihope
Mywordsdisbench’dyounot.
CORIOLANUS.No,sir;yetoft,
Whenblowshavemademestay,Ifledfromwords.
Yousooth’dnot,thereforehurtnot.Butyourpeople,
Ilovethemastheyweigh.
MENENIUS.Praynow,sitdown.
CORIOLANUS.Ihadratherhaveonescratchmyhead
i’thesun
Whenthealarumwerestruckthanidlysit
Tohearmynothingsmonster ’d.Exit
MENENIUS.Mastersofthepeople,
Yourmultiplyingspawnhowcanheflatter,—
That’sthousandtoonegoodone,—whenyounowsee
Hehadratherventureallhislimbsforhonour
Thanoneon’seartohearit.Proceed,Cominius.
COMINIUS.Ishalllackvoice:thedeedsofCoriolanus
Shouldnotbeutter ’dfeebly.Itisheld
Thatvalouristhechiefestvirtue,and
Mostdignifiesthehaver:ifitbe,
ThemanIspeakofcannotintheworld
Besinglycounterpois’d.Atsixteenyears,
WhenTarquinmadeaheadforRome,hefought
Beyondthemarkofothers;ourthendictator,
WhomwithallpraiseIpointat,sawhimfight,
WhenwithhisAmazonianchinhedrove
Thebristledlipsbeforehim.Hebestrid
Ano’er-pressedRoman,andi’theconsul’sview
Slewthreeopposers:Tarquin’sselfhemet,
Andstruckhimonhisknee:inthatday’sfeats,
Whenhemightactthewomaninthescene,
Heprov’dbestmani’thefield,andforhismeed
Wasbrow-boundwiththeoak.Hispupilage
Man-enter ’dthus,hewaxedlikeasea,
Andinthebruntofseventeenbattlessince
Helurch’dallswordsofthegarland.Forthislast,
BeforeandinCorioli,letmesay,
Icannotspeakhimhome:hestopp’dthefliers,
Andbyhisrareexamplemadethecoward
Turnterrorintosport:asweedsbefore
Avesselundersail,somenobey’d,
Andfellbelowhisstem:hissword,death’sstamp,
Whereitdidmark,ittook;fromfacetofoot
Hewasathingofblood,whoseeverymotion
Wastim’dwithdyingcries:aloneheenter ’d
Themortalgateofthecity,whichhepainted
Withshunlessdestiny;aidlesscameoff,
Andwithasuddenre-enforcementstruck
Coriolilikeaplanet.Nowall’shis:
Whenbyandbythedinofwar’ganpierce
Hisreadysense;thenstraighthisdoubledspirit
Re-quicken’dwhatinfleshwasfatigate,
Andtothebattlecamehe;wherehedid
Runreekingo’erthelivesofmen,asif
’Twereaperpetualspoil;andtillwecall’d
Bothfieldandcityours,heneverstood
Toeasehisbreastwithpanting.
MENENIUS.Worthyman!
FIRSTSENATOR.Hecannotbutwithmeasurefitthehon-
ours
Whichwedevisehim.
COMINIUS.Ourspoilshekick’dat,
Andlook’duponthingspreciousastheywere
Thecommonmucko’theworld:hecovetsless
Thanmiseryitselfwouldgive;rewards
Hisdeedswithdoingthem,andiscontent
Tospendthetimetoendit.
MENENIUS.He’srightnoble:
Lethimbecall’dfor.
FIRSTSENATOR.CallCoriolanus.
OFFICER.Hedothappear.
Re-enterCoriolanus
MENENIUS.Thesenate,Coriolanus,arewellpleas’d
Tomaketheeconsul.
CORIOLANUS.Idoowethemstill
Mylifeandservices.
MENENIUS.Itthenremains
Thatyoudospeaktothepeople.
CORIOLANUS.Idobeseechyou,
Letmeo’erleapthatcustom,forIcannot
Putonthegown,standnaked,andentreatthem,
Formywounds’sake,togivetheirsuffrage:pleaseyou,
ThatImaypassthisdoing.
SICINIUS.Sir,thepeople
Musthavetheirvoices;neitherwilltheybate
Onejotofceremony.
MENENIUS.Putthemnotto’t:
Prayyou,gofityoutothecustom,and
Taketoyou,asyourpredecessorshave,
Yourhonourwithyourform.
CORIOLANUS.Itisapart
ThatIshallblushinacting,andmightwell
Betakenfromthepeople.
BRUTUS.(AsidetoSicinius)Markyouthat?
CORIOLANUS.Tobraguntothem,thusIdid,andthus;
ShowthemtheunachingscarswhichIshouldhide,
AsifIhadreceiv’dthemforthehire
Oftheirbreathonly!
MENENIUS.Donotstandupon’t.
Werecommendtoyou,tribunesofthepeople,
Ourpurposetothem;andtoournobleconsul
Wishwealljoyandhonour.
SENATORS.ToCoriolanuscomealljoyandhonour!
Flourish.ExeuntallbutSiciniusandBrutus
BRUTUS.Youseehowheintendstousethepeople.
SICINIUS.Maytheyperceive’sintent!Hewillrequire
them,
Asifhedidcontemnwhatherequested
Shouldbeinthemtogive.
BRUTUS.Come;we’llinformthem
Ofourproceedingshere:onthemarket-place
Iknowtheydoattendus.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
TheSame.TheForum.
EnterseveralCitizens
FIRSTCITIZEN .Once,ifhedorequireourvoices,weought
nottodenyhim.
SECONDCITIZEN .Wemay,sir,ifwewill.
THIRDCITIZEN .Wehavepowerinourselvestodoit,butit
isapowerthatwehavenopowertodo;forifheshow
ushiswounds,andtellushisdeeds,wearetoputour
tonguesintothosewoundsandspeakforthem;so,ifhe
tellushisnobledeeds,wemustalsotellhimournoble
acceptanceofthem.Ingratitudeismonstrous,andfor
themultitudetobeingratefulweretomakeamonster
ofthemultitude;ofthewhich,webeingmembers,
shouldbringourselvestobemonstrousmembers.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Andtomakeusnobetterthoughtof,a
littlehelpwillserve;foroncewestoodupaboutthe
corn,hehimselfstucknottocallusthemany-headed
multitude.
THIRDCITIZEN .Wehavebeencalledsoofmany;notthat
ourheadsaresomebrown,someblack,someabram,
somebald,butthatourwitsaresodiverselycoloured:
andtrulyIthink,ifallourwitsweretoissueoutofone
skull,theywouldflyeast,west,north,south;andtheir
consentofonedirectwayshouldbeatoncetoall
thepointso’thecompass.
SECONDCITIZEN .Thinkyouso?Whichwaydoyoujudge
mywitwouldfly?
THIRDCITIZEN .Nay,yourwitwillnotsosoonoutasan-
otherman’swill;’tisstronglywedgedupinablockhead;butifitwereatliberty,’twould,sure,southward.
SECONDCITIZEN .Whythatway?
THIRDCITIZEN .Toloseitselfinafog;wherebeingthree
partsmeltedawaywithrottendews,thefourthwould
returnforconscience’sake,tohelptogettheeawife.
SECONDCITIZEN .Youareneverwithoutyourtricks:you
may,youmay.
THIRDCITIZEN .Areyouallresolvedtogiveyourvoices?
Butthat’snomatter,thegreaterpartcarriesit.Isay,if
hewouldinclinetothepeople,therewasnevera
worthierman.
Re-enterCoriolanus,inagownofhumility,andMenenius
Herehecomes,andinagownofhumility:markhisbehaviour.Wearenottostayalltogether,buttocomeby
himwherehestands,byones,bytwos,andbythrees.
He’stomakehisrequestsbyparticulars;whereinevery
oneofushasasinglehonour,ingivinghimourown
voiceswithourowntongues:thereforefollowme,and
I’lldirectyouhowyoushallgobyhim.
ALL.Content,content.ExeuntCitizens
MENENIUS.O,sir,youarenotright:haveyounotknown
Theworthiestmenhavedone’t?
CORIOLANUS.WhatmustIsay?
‘Ipray,sir,’—Plagueupon’t!Icannotbring
Mytonguetosuchapace.‘Look,sir,mywounds:
Igottheminmycountry’sservice,when
Somecertainofyourbrethrenroar ’dandran
Fromthenoiseofourowndrums.’
MENENIUS.Ome!thegods!
Youmustnotspeakofthat:youmustdesirethem
Tothinkuponyou.
CORIOLANUS.Thinkuponme!Hang’em!
Iwouldtheywouldforgetme,likethevirtues
Whichourdivinesloseby’em.
MENENIUS.You’llmarall:
I’llleaveyou.Prayyou,speakto’em,Iprayyou,
Inwholesomemanner.
CORIOLANUS.Bidthemwashtheirfaces,
Andkeeptheirteethclean.ExitMenenius
Soherecomesabrace.
Re-entertwoCitizens
Youknowthecause,sir,ofmystandinghere?
FIRSTCITIZEN .Wedo,sir;telluswhathathbroughtyou
to’t.
CORIOLANUS.Mineowndesert.
SECONDCITIZEN .Yourowndesert!
CORIOLANUS.Ay,notmineowndesire.
FIRSTCITIZEN .How!notyourowndesire?
CORIOLANUS.No,sir,’twasnevermydesireyettotrouble
thepoorwithbegging.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Youmustthink,ifwegiveyouanything,
wehopetogainbyyou.
CORIOLANUS.Well,then,Ipray,yourpriceo’theconsul-
ship?
FIRSTCITIZEN .Thepriceis,toaskitkindly.
CORIOLANUS.Kindly!sir,Ipray,letmeha’t:Ihave
woundstoshowyou,whichshallbeyoursinprivate.
Yourgoodvoice,sir;whatsayyou?
SECONDCITIZEN .Youshallha’t,worthysir.
CORIOLANUS.Amatch,sir.Thereisinalltwoworthy
voicesbegged.Ihaveyouralms:adieu.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Butthisissomethingodd.
SECONDCITIZEN .An’tweretogiveagain,—but’tisnomat-
ter.ExeuntthetwoCitizens
Re-entertwootherCitizens
CORIOLANUS.Prayyounow,ifitmaystandwiththetune
ofyourvoicesthatImaybeconsul,Ihaveherethecustomarygown.
THIRDCITIZEN .Youhavedeservednoblyofyourcountry,
andyouhavenotdeservednobly.
CORIOLANUS.Yourenigma?
THIRDCITIZEN .Youhavebeenascourgetoherenemies,
youhavebeenarodtoherfriends;youhavenotindeed
lovedthecommonpeople.
CORIOLANUS.Youshouldaccountmethemorevirtuous
thatIhavenotbeencommoninmylove.Iwill,sir,flattermyswornbrotherthepeople,toearnadeareresti-
mationofthem;’tisaconditiontheyaccountgentle:and
sincethewisdomoftheirchoiceisrathertohavemy
hatthanmyheart,Iwillpractisetheinsinuatingnod,
andbeofftothemmostcounterfeitly;thatis,sir,Iwill
counterfeitthebewitchmentofsomepopularman,and
giveitbountifullytothedesirers.Therefore,beseech
you,Imaybeconsul.
FOURTHCITIZEN .Wehopetofindyouourfriend,and
thereforegiveyouourvoicesheartily.
THIRDCITIZEN .Youhavereceivedmanywoundsforyour
country.
CORIOLANUS.Iwillnotsealyourknowledgewithshowing
them.Iwillmakemuchofyourvoices,andsotrouble
younofurther.
BOTHCITIZENS.Thegodsgiveyoujoy,sir,heartily!
Exeunt
CORIOLANUS.Mostsweetvoices!
Betteritistodie,bettertostarve,
Thancravethehirewhichfirstwedodeserve.
WhyinthiswoolvishtogeshouldIstandhere,
TobegofHobandDick,thatdoappear,
Theirneedlessvouches?Customcallsmeto’t:
Whatcustomwills,inallthingsshouldwedo’t,
Thedustonantiquetimewouldlieunswept,
Andmountainouserrorbetoohighlyheap’d
Fortruthtoo’er-peer.Ratherthanfoolitso,
Letthehighofficeandthehonourgo
Toonethatwoulddothus.Iamhalfthrough;
Theonepartsuffer ’d,theotherwillIdo.
Herecomemorevoices.
Re-enterthreeotherCitizens
Yourvoices:foryourvoicesIhavefought;
Watch’dforyourvoices;foryourvoicesbear
Ofwoundstwodozenodd;battlesthricesix
Ihaveseenandheardof;foryourvoiceshave
Donemanythings,someless,somemore;yourvoices:
Indeed,Iwouldbeconsul.
FIFTHCITIZEN .Hehasdonenoblyandcannotgowithout
anyhonestman’svoice.
SIXTHCITIZEN .Thereforelethimbeconsul.Thegodsgive
himjoy,andmakehimgoodfriendtothepeople!
ALL.Amen,amen.
Godsavethee,nobleconsul!ExeuntCitizens
CORIOLANUS.Worthyvoices!
Re-enterMenenius,withBrutusandSicinius
MENENIUS.Youhavestoodyourlimitation;andthetribunes
Endueyouwiththepeople’svoice:remains
That,intheofficialmarksinvested,you
Anondomeetthesenate.
CORIOLANUS.Isthisdone?
SICINIUS.Thecustomofrequestyouhavedischarg’d:
Thepeopledoadmityou,andaresummon’d
Tomeetanon,uponyourapprobation.
CORIOLANUS.Where?atthesenate-house?
SICINIUS.There,Coriolanus.
CORIOLANUS.MayIchangethesegarments?
SICINIUS.Youmay,sir.
CORIOLANUS.ThatI’llstraightdo;and,knowingmyself
again,
Repairtothesenate-house.
MENENIUS.I’llkeepyoucompany.Willyoualong?
BRUTUS.Westayhereforthepeople.
SICINIUS.Fareyouwell.
ExeuntCoriolanusandMenenius
Hehasitnow;andbyhislooks,methinks,
’Tiswarmat’sheart.
BRUTUS.Withaproudhearthewore
Hishumbleweeds.Willyoudismissthepeople?
Re-enterCitizens
SICINIUS.Hownow,mymasters!haveyouchosethisman?
FIRSTCITIZEN .Hehasourvoices,sir.
BRUTUS.Wepraythegodshemaydeserveyourlove.
SECONDCITIZEN .Amen,sir.Tomypoorunworthynotice,
Hemock’duswhenhebegg’dourvoices.
THIRDCITIZEN .Certainly,
Hefloutedusdownright.
FIRSTCITIZEN .No,’tishiskindofspeech;hedidnotmock
us.
SECONDCITIZEN .Notoneamongstus,saveyourselfbut
says
Heusedusscornfully:heshouldhaveshow’dus
Hismarksofmerit,woundsreceiv’dfor’scountry.
SICINIUS.Why,sohedid,Iamsure.
ALL.No,no;nomansaw’em.
THIRDCITIZEN .Hesaidhehadwounds,whichhecould
showinprivate;
Andwithhishat,thuswavingitinscorn,
‘Iwouldbeconsul,’sayshe:‘agedcustom,
Butbyyourvoices,willnotsopermitme;
Yourvoicestherefore:’whenwegrantedthat,
Herewas,‘Ithankyouforyourvoices,thankyou,
Yourmostsweetvoices:nowyouhaveleftyourvoices
Ihavenofurtherwithyou.’Wasnotthismockery?
SICINIUS.Why,eitherwereyouignoranttosee’t,
Or,seeingit,ofsuchchildishfriendliness
Toyieldyourvoices?
BRUTUS.Couldyounothavetoldhim
Asyouwerelesson’d,whenhehadnopower,
Butwasapettyservanttothestate,
Hewasyourenemy,everspakeagainst
Yourlibertiesandthechartersthatyoubear
I’thebodyoftheweal;andnow,arriving
Aplaceofpotencyandswayo’thestate,
Ifheshouldstillmalignantlyremain
Fastfoetotheplebeii,yourvoicesmight
Becursestoyourselves?Youshouldhavesaid
Thatashisworthydeedsdidclaimnoless
Thanwhathestoodfor,sohisgraciousnature
Wouldthinkuponyouforyourvoicesand
Translatehismalicetowardsyouintolove,
Standingyourfriendlylord.
SICINIUS.Thustohavesaid,
Asyouwerefore-advis’d,hadtouch’dhisspirit
Andtriedhisinclination;fromhimpluck’d
Eitherhisgraciouspromise,whichyoumight,
Ascausehadcall’dyouup,haveheldhimto;
Orelseitwouldhavegall’dhissurlynature,
Whicheasilyenduresnotarticle
Tyinghimtoaught;so,puttinghimtorage,
Youshouldhaveta’entheadvantageofhischoler,
Andpass’dhimunelected.
BRUTUS.Didyouperceive
Hedidsolicityouinfreecontempt
Whenhedidneedyourloves,anddoyouthink
Thathiscontemptshallnotbebruisingtoyou
Whenhehathpowertocrush?Why,hadyourbodies
Noheartamongyou?orhadyoutonguestocry
Againsttherectorshipofjudgment?
SICINIUS.Haveyou
Erenowdeniedtheasker?andnowagain
Ofhimthatdidnotask,butmock,bestow
Yoursu’d-fortongues?
THIRDCITIZEN .He’snotconfirm’d;wemaydenyhimyet.
SECONDCITIZEN .Andwilldenyhim:
I’llhavefivehundredvoicesofthatsound.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Ay,twicefivehundredandtheirfriendsto
piece’em.
BRUTUS.Getyouhenceinstantly,andtellthosefriends,
Theyhavechoseaconsulthatwillfromthemtake
Theirliberties;makethemofnomorevoice
Thandogsthatareasoftenbeatforbarking
Asthereforekepttodoso.
SICINIUS.Letthemassemble;
And,onasaferjudgment,allrevoke
Yourignorantelection.Enforcehispride,
Andhisoldhateuntoyou:besides,forgetnot
Withwhatcontemptheworethehumbleweed;
Howinhissuithescorn’dyou;butyourloves,
Thinkinguponhisservices,tookfromyou
Theapprehensionofhispresentportance,
Whichmostgibingly,ungravely,hedidfashion
Aftertheinveteratehatehebearsyou.
BRUTUS.Lay
Afaultonus,yourtribunes;thatwelabour ’d,—
Noimpedimentbetween,—butthatyoumust
Castyourelectiononhim.
SICINIUS.Say,youchosehim
Moreafterourcommandmentthanasguided
Byyourowntrueaffections;andthatyourminds,
Pre-occupiedwithwhatyourathermustdo
Thanwhatyoushould,madeyouagainstthegrain
Tovoicehimconsul:laythefaultonus.
BRUTUS.Ay,spareusnot.Saywereadlecturestoyou,
Howyounglyhebegantoservehiscountry,
Howlongcontinu’d,andwhatstockhespringsof,
Thenoblehouseo’theMarcians,fromwhencecame
ThatAncusMarcius,Numa’sdaughter ’sson,
Who,aftergreatHostilius,herewasking;
OfthesamehousePubliusandQuintuswere,
Thatourbestwaterbroughtbyconduitshither;
AndCensorinus,thatwassosurnam’d,—
Andnoblynam’dso,twicebeingcensor,—
Washisgreatancestor.
SICINIUS.Onethusdescended,
Thathath,beside,wellinhispersonwrought
Tobesethighinplace,wedidcommend
Toyourremembrances:butyouhavefound,
Scalinghispresentbearingwithhispast,
Thathe’syourfixedenemy,andrevoke
Yoursuddenapprobation.
BRUTUS.Sayyoune’erhaddone’t—
Harponthatstill—butbyourputtingon;
Andpresently,whenyouhavedrawnyournumber,
RepairtotheCapitol.
ALL.Wewillso;almostall
Repentintheirelection.ExeuntCitizens
BRUTUS.Letthemgoon;
Thismutinywerebetterputinhazard
Thanstay,pastdoubt,forgreater.
If,ashisnatureis,hefallinrage
Withtheirrefusal,bothobserveandanswer
Thevantageofhisanger.
SICINIUS.TotheCapitol,come:
Wewillbetherebeforethestreamo’thepeople;
Andthisshallseem,aspartly’tis,theirown,
Whichwehavegoadedonward.Exeunt
ACTTHREE
SCENEONE
Rome.AStreet.
Cornets.EnterCoriolanus,Menenius,Cominius,Titus
Lartius,Senators,andPatricians
CORIOLANUS.TullusAufidiusthenhadmadenewhead?
LARTIUS.Hehad,mylord;andthatitwaswhichcaus’d
Ourswiftercomposition.
CORIOLANUS.SothentheVolscesstandbutasatfirst,
Ready,whentimeshallpromptthem,tomakeroad
Upon’sagain.
COMINIUS.Theyareworn,lordconsul,so,
Thatweshallhardlyinouragessee
Theirbannerswaveagain.
CORIOLANUS.SawyouAufidius?
LARTIUS.Onsafe-guardhecametome;anddidcurse
AgainsttheVolsces,fortheyhadsovilely
Yieldedthetown:heisretir ’dtoAntium.
CORIOLANUS.Spokeheofme?
LARTIUS.Hedidmylord.
CORIOLANUS.How?what?
LARTIUS.Howoftenhehadmetyou,swordtosword;
Thatofallthingsupontheearthhehated
Yourpersonmost,thathewouldpawnhisfortunes
Tohopelessrestitution,sohemight
Becall’dyourvanquisher.
CORIOLANUS.AtAntiumliveshe?
LARTIUS.AtAntium.
CORIOLANUS.IwishIhadacausetoseekhimthere.
Toopposehishatredfully.Welcomehome.
EnterSiciniusandBrutus
Behold!thesearethetribunesofthepeople,
Thetongueso’thecommonmouth:Idodespisethem
Fortheydopranktheminauthority
Againstallnoblesufferance.
SICINIUS.Passnofurther.
CORIOLANUS.Ha!whatisthat?
BRUTUS.Itwillbedangeroustogoon:nofurther.
CORIOLANUS.Whatmakesthischange?
MENENIUS.Thematter?
COMINIUS.Hathhenotpass’dthenobleandthecommon?
BRUTUS.Cominius,no.
CORIOLANUS.HaveIhadchildren’svoices?
FIRSTSENATOR.Tribunes,giveway;heshalltothemarket-
place.
BRUTUS.Thepeopleareincens’dagainsthim.
SICINIUS.Stop,
Orallwillfallinbroil.
CORIOLANUS.Aretheseyourherd?
Mustthesehavevoices,thatcanyieldthemnow,
Andstraightdisclaimtheirtongues?Whatareyouroffices?
Youbeingtheirmouths,whyruleyounottheirteeth?
Haveyounotsetthemon?
MENENIUS.Becalm,becalm.
CORIOLANUS.Itisapurpos’dthing,andgrowsbyplot,
Tocurbthewillofthenobility:
Suffer’t,andlivewithsuchascannotrule
Noreverwillberul’d.
BRUTUS.Call’tnotaplot:
Thepeoplecryyoumock’dthem,andoflate,
Whencornwasgiventhemgratis,yourepin’d;
Scandall’dthesuppliantsforthepeople,call’dthem
Time-pleasers,flatterers,foestonobleness.
CORIOLANUS.Why,thiswasknownbefore.
BRUTUS.Nottothemall.
CORIOLANUS.Haveyouinform’dthemsithence?
BRUTUS.How!Iinformthem!
CORIOLANUS.Youareliketodosuchbusiness.
BRUTUS.Notunlike,
Eachway,tobetteryours.
CORIOLANUS.WhythenshouldIbeconsul?Byyond
clouds,
Letmedeservesoillasyou,andmakeme
Yourfellowtribune.
SICINIUS.Youshowtoomuchofthat
Forwhichthepeoplestir;ifyouwillpass
Towhereyouarebound,youmustinquireyourway,
Whichyouareoutof,withagentlerspirit;
Orneverbesonobleasaconsul
Noryokewithhimfortribune.
MENENIUS.Let’sbecalm.
COMINIUS.Thepeopleareabus’d;seton.Thispaltering
BecomesnotRome,norhasCoriolanus
Deserv’dthissodishonour ’drub,laidfalsely
I’theplainwayofhismerit.
CORIOLANUS.Tellmeofcorn!
Thiswasmyspeech,andIwillspeak’tagain,—
MENENIUS.Notnow,notnow.
FIRSTSENATOR.Notinthisheat,sir,now.
CORIOLANUS.Now,asIlive,Iwill.Mynoblerfriends,
Icravetheirpardons:
Forthemutable,rank-scentedmany,letthem
RegardmeasIdonotflatter,and
Thereinbeholdthemselves:Isayagain,
Insoothingthemwenourish’gainstoursenate
Thecockleofrebellion,insolence,sedition,
Whichweourselveshaveplough’dfor,sow’dandscatter ’d,
Byminglingthemwithus,thehonour ’dnumber;
Wholack’dnotvirtue,no,norpower,butthat
Whichtheyhavegiventobeggars.
MENENIUS.Well,nomore.
FIRSTSENATOR.Nomorewords,webeseechyou.
CORIOLANUS.How!nomore!
AsformycountryIhaveshedmyblood,
Notfearingoutwardforce,soshallmylungs
Coinwordstilltheydecayagainstthosemeasles,
Whichwedisdainshouldtetterus,yetsought
Theverywaytocatchthem.
BRUTUS.Youspeako’thepeople,
Asifyouwereagodtopunish,not
Amanoftheirinfirmity.
SICINIUS.’Twerewell
Weletthepeopleknow’t.
MENENIUS.What,what?hischoler?
CORIOLANUS.Choler!
WereIaspatientasthemidnightsleep,
ByJove,’twouldbemymind!
SICINIUS.Itisamind
Thatshallremainapoisonwhereitis
Notpoisonanyfurther.
CORIOLANUS.Shallremain!
HearyouthisTritonoftheminnows?markyou
Hisabsolute‘shall’?
COMINIUS.’Twasfromthecanon.
CORIOLANUS.‘Shall!’
Ogoodbutmostunwisepatricians!why,
Yougravebutrecklesssenators,haveyouthus
GivenHydraheretochooseanofficer,
Thatwithhisperemptory‘shall,’beingbut
Thehornandnoiseo’themonster ’s,wantsnotspirit
Tosayhe’llturnyourcurrentinaditch,
Andmakeyourchannelhis?Ifhehavepower,
Thenvailyourignorance;ifnone,awake
Yourdangerouslenity.Ifyouarelearned,
Benotascommonfools;ifyouarenot,
Letthemhavecushionsbyyou.Youareplebeians
Iftheybesenators;andtheyarenoless,
When,bothyourvoicesblended,thegreat’sttaste
Mostpalatestheirs.Theychoosetheirmagistrate
Andsuchaoneashe,whoputshis‘shall,’
Hispopular‘shall,’againstagraverbench
Thaneverfrown’dinGreece.ByJovehimself!
Itmakestheconsulsbase;andmysoulaches
Toknow,whentwoauthoritiesareup,
Neithersupreme,howsoonconfusion
Mayenter’twixtthegapofbothandtake
Theonebytheother.
COMINIUS.Well,ontothemarket-place.
CORIOLANUS.Whoevergavethatcounsel,togiveforth
Thecorno’thestore-housegratis,as’twasus’d
SometimeinGreece,—
MENENIUS.Well,well;nomoreofthat.
CORIOLANUS.Thoughtherethepeoplehadmoreabsolute
power,
Isay,theynourish’ddisobedience,fed
Theruinofthestate.
BRUTUS.Why,shallthepeoplegive
Onethatspeaksthustheirvoice?
CORIOLANUS.I’llgivemyreasons,
Moreworthierthantheirvoices.Theyknowthecorn
Wasnotourrecompense,restingwellassur ’d
Theyne’erdidservicefor’t.Beingpress’dtothewar,
Evenwhenthenavelofthestatewastouch’d,
Theywouldnotthreadthegates:thiskindofservice
Didnotdeservecorngratis.Beingi’thewar,
Theirmutiniesandrevolts,whereintheyshow’d
Mostvalour,spokenotforthem.Theaccusation
Whichtheyhaveoftenmadeagainstthesenate,
Allcauseunborn,couldneverbethemotive
Ofoursofrankdonation.Well,whatthen?
Howshallthisbissonmultitudedigest
Thesenate’scourtesy?Letdeedsexpress
What’sliketobetheirwords:‘Wedidrequestit;
Wearethegreaterpoll,andintruefear
Theygaveusourdemands.’Thuswedebase
Thenatureofourseats,andmaketherabble
Callourcares,fears;whichwillintimebreakope
Thelockso’thesenate,andbringinthecrows
Topecktheeagles.
MENENIUS.Come,enough.
BRUTUS.Enough,withover-measure.
CORIOLANUS.No,takemore:
Whatmaybeswornby,bothdivineandhuman,
SealwhatIendwithal!Thisdoubleworship,
Whereonepartdoesdisdainwithcause,theother
Insultwithoutallreason;wheregentry,title,wisdom,
Cannotconclude,butbytheyeaandno
Ofgeneralignorance,—itmustomit
Realnecessities,andgivewaythewhile
Tounstableslightness:purposesobarr ’d,itfollows
Nothingisdonetopurpose.Therefore,beseechyou,—
Youthatwillbelessfearfulthandiscreet,
Thatlovethefundamentalpartofstate
Morethanyoudoubtthechangeon’t,thatprefer
Anoblelifebeforealong,andwish
Tojumpabodywithadangerousphysic
That’ssureofdeathwithoutit,atoncepluckout
Themultitudinoustongue;letthemnotlick
Thesweetwhichistheirpoison.Yourdishonour
Manglestruejudgment,andbereavesthestate
Ofthatintegritywhichshouldbecomeit,
Nothavingthepowertodothegooditwould,
Fortheillwhichdothcontrol’t.
BRUTUS.Hehassaidenough.
SICINIUS.Hehasspokenlikeatraitor,andshallanswer
Astraitorsdo.
CORIOLANUS.Thouwretch!despiteo’erwhelmthee!
Whatshouldthepeopledowiththesebaldtribunes?
Onwhomdepending,theirobediencefails
Tothegreaterbench.Inarebellion,
Whenwhat’snotmeet,butwhatmustbe,waslaw,
Thenweretheychosen:inabetterhour,
Letwhatismeetbesaiditmustbemeet,
Andthrowtheirpoweri’thedust.
BRUTUS.Manifesttreason!
SICINIUS.Thisaconsul?no.
BRUTUS.Theædiles,ho!Lethimbeapprehended.
EnteranÆdile
SICINIUS.Go,callthepeople;(ExitÆdile)inwhosename,
myself
Attachtheeasatraitorousinnovator,
Afoetothepublicweal:obey,Ichargethee,
Andfollowtothineanswer.
CORIOLANUS.Hence,oldgoat!
SENATORS.We’llsuretyhim.
COMINIUS.Agedsir,handsoff.
CORIOLANUS.Hence,rottenthing!orIshallshakethy
bones
Outofthygarments.
SICINIUS.Help,yecitizens!
Re-enterÆdiles,withOthers,andarabbleofCitizens
MENENIUS.Onbothsidesmorerespect.
SICINIUS.Here’shethatwouldtakefromyouallyour
power.
BRUTUS.Seizehim,ædiles!
CITIZENS.Downwithhim!—downwithhim!—
SENATORS.Weapons!—weapons!—weapons!—
TheyallbustleaboutCoriolanus,crying
Tribunes!—patricians!—citizens!—Whatho!—
Sicinius!—Brutus!—Coriolanus!—Citizens!
Peace!—Peace!—Peace!—Stay!—Hold!—Peace!
MENENIUS.Whatisabouttobe?—Iamoutofbreath;
Confusion’snear;Icannotspeak.You,tribunes
Tothepeople!Coriolanus,patience!
Speak,goodSicinius.
SICINIUS.Hearme,people;peace!
CITIZENS.Let’shearourtribune:—Peace!—Speak,speak,
speak.
SICINIUS.Youareatpointtoloseyourliberties:
Marciuswouldhaveallfromyou;Marcius,
Whomlateyouhavenam’dforconsul.
MENENIUS.Fie,fie,fie!
Thisisthewaytokindle,nottoquench.
FIRSTSENATOR.Tounbuildthecityandtolayallflat.
SlCINIUS.Whatisthecitybutthepeople?
CITIZENS.True,
Thepeoplearethecity.
BRUTUS.Bytheconsentofall,wewereestablish’d
Thepeople’smagistrates.
CITIZENS.Yousoremain.
MENENIUS.Andsoareliketodo.
COMINIUS.Thatisthewaytolaythecityflat;
Tobringtherooftothefoundation,
Andburyall,whichyetdistinctlyranges,
Inheapsandpilesofruin.
SICINIUS.Thisdeservesdeath.
BRUTUS.Orletusstandtoourauthority,
Orletusloseit.Wedoherepronounce,
Upontheparto’thepeople,inwhosepower
Wewereelectedtheirs,Marciusisworthy
Ofpresentdeath.
SICINIUS.Thereforelayholdofhim;
BearhimtotherockTarpeian,andfromthence
Intodestructioncasthim.
BRUTUS.Ædiles,seizehim!
CITIZENS.Yield,Marcius,yield!
MENENIUS.Hearmeoneword;
Beseechyou,tribunes,hearmebutaword.
ÆDILES.Peace,peace!
MENENIUS.(ToBrutus)Bethatyouseem,trulyyour
country’sfriends,
Andtemperatelyproceedtowhatyouwould
Thusviolentlyredress.
BRUTUS.Sir,thosecoldways,
Thatseemlikeprudenthelps,areverypoisonous
Wherethediseaseisviolent.Layhandsuponhim,
Andbearhimtotherock.
CORIOLANUS.No,I’lldiehere.
Drawinghissword
There’ssomeamongyouhavebeheldmefighting:
Come,tryuponyourselveswhatyouhaveseenme.
MENENIUS.Downwiththatsword!Tribunes,withdraw
awhile.
BRUTUS.Layhandsuponhim.
MENENIUS.Help,Marcius,help,
Youthatbenoble;helphim,youngandold!
CITIZENS.Downwithhim!—downwithhim!
InthismutinytheTribunes,
theÆdiles,andthePeoplearebeatin
MENENIUS.Go,getyoutoyourhouse;begone,away!
Allwillbenaughtelse.
SECONDSENATOR.Getyougone.
CORIOLANUS.Standfast;
Wehaveasmanyfriendsasenemies.
MENENIUS.Shallitbeputtothat?
FIRSTSENATOR.Thegodsforbid!
Iprithee,noblefriend,hometothyhouse;
Leaveustocurethiscause.
MENENIUS.For’tisasoreuponus,
Youcannottentyourself:begone,beseechyou.
COMINIUS.Comesir,alongwithus.
CORIOLANUS.Iwouldtheywerebarbarians,—astheyare,
ThoughinRomelitter ’d,—notRomans,—astheyarenot,
Thoughcalv’di’theporcho’theCapitol,—
MENENIUS.Begone;
Putnotyourworthyrageintoyourtongue;
Onetimewilloweanother.
CORIOLANUS.Onfairground
Icouldbeatfortyofthem.
MENENIUS.Icouldmyself
Takeupabraceo’thebestofthem;yea,thetwotribunes.
COMINIUS.Butnow’tisoddsbeyondarithmetic;
Andmanhoodiscall’dfoolerywhenitstands
Againstafallingfabric.Willyouhence,
Beforethetagreturn?whoseragedothrend
Likeinterruptedwatersando’erbear
Whattheyareus’dtobear.
MENENIUS.Prayyou,begone.
I’lltrywhethermyoldwitbeinrequest
Withthosethathavebutlittle:thismustbepatch’d
Withclothofanycolour.
COMINIUS.Nay,comeaway.
ExeuntCoriolanus,Cominius,andOthers
FIRSTPATRICIAN .Thismanhasmarr ’dhisfortune.
MENENIUS.Hisnatureistoonoblefortheworld:
HewouldnotflatterNeptuneforhistrident,
OrJovefor’spowertothunder.Hisheart’shismouth:
Whathisbreastforges,thathistonguemustvent;
And,beingangry,doesforgetthatever
Heheardthenameofdeath.Anoisewithin
Here’sgoodlywork!
SECONDPATRICIAN .Iwouldtheywerea-bed!
MENENIUS.IwouldtheywereinTiber!Whatthevenge-
ance!
Couldhenotspeak’emfair?
Re-enterBrutusandSicinius,withtherabble
SICINIUS.Whereisthisviper
Thatwoulddepopulatethecityand
Beeverymanhimself?
MENENIUS.Youworthytribunes,—
SICINIUS.HeshallbethrowndowntheTarpeianrock
Withrigoroushands:hehathresistedlaw,
Andthereforelawshallscornhimfurthertrial
Thantheseverityofthepublicpower,
Whichhesosetsatnought.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Heshallwellknow
Thenobletribunesarethepeople’smouths,
Andwetheirhands.
CITIZENS.Heshall,sureon’t.
MENENIUS.Sir,sir,—
SICINIUS.Peace!
MENENIUS.Donotcryhavoc,whereyoushouldbuthunt
Withmodestwarrant.
SICINIUS.Sir,howcomes’tthatyou
Haveholptomakethisrescue?
MENENIUS.Hearmespeak:
AsIdoknowtheconsul’sworthiness,
SocanInamehisfaults.
SICINIUS.Consul!whatconsul?
MENENIUS.TheconsulCoriolanus.
BRUTUS.Heconsul!
CITIZENS.No,no,no,no,no.
MENENIUS.If,bythetribunes’leave,andyours,good
people,
Imaybeheard,Iwouldcraveawordortwo,
Thewhichshallturnyoutonofurtherharm
Thansomuchlossoftime.
SlCINIUS.Speakbrieflythen;
Forweareperemptorytodispatch
Thisviperoustraitor.Toejecthimhence
Werebutonedanger,andtokeephimhere
Ourcertaindeath;thereforeitisdecreed
Hediesto-night.
MENENIUS.Nowthegoodgodsforbid
ThatourrenownedRome,whosegratitude
Towardsherdeservedchildrenisenroll’d
InJove’sownbook,likeanunnaturaldam
Shouldnoweatupherown!
SICINIUS.He’sadiseasethatmustbecutaway.
MENENIUS.O!he’salimbthathasbutadisease;
Mortaltocutitoff;tocureiteasy.
WhathashedonetoRomethat’sworthydeath?
Killingourenemies,thebloodhehathlost,—
Which,Idarevouch,ismorethanthathehath
Bymanyanounce,—hedropp’ditforhiscountry;
Andwhatisleft,toloseitbyhiscountry,
Weretousall,thatdo’tandsufferit,
Abrandtotheendo’theworld.
SICINIUS.Thisiscleankam.
BRUTUS.Merelyawry:whenhedidlovehiscountry
Ithonour ’dhim.
MENENIUS.Theserviceofthefoot
Beingoncegangren’d,isnotthenrespected
Forwhatbeforeitwas.
BRUTUS.We’llhearnomore.
Pursuehimtohishouse,andpluckhimthence,
Lesthisinfection,beingofcatchingnature,
Spreadfurther.
MENENIUS.Onewordmore,oneword.
Thistiger-footedrage,whenitshallfind
Theharmofunscann’dswiftness,will,toolate,
Tieleadenpoundsto’sheels.Proceedbyprocess;
Lestparties—asheisbelov’d—breakout,
AndsackgreatRomewithRomans.
BRUTUS.If’twereso,—
SICINIUS.Whatdoyetalk?
Havewenothadatasteofhisobedience?
Ourædilessmote?ourselvesresisted?Come!
MENENIUS.Considerthis:hehasbeenbredi’thewars
Sincehecoulddrawasword,andisillschool’d
Inboltedlanguage;mealandbrantogether
Hethrowswithoutdistinction.Givemeleave,
I’llgotohim,andundertaketobringhim
Whereheshallanswerbyalawfulform,—
Inpeace,—tohisutmostperil.
FIRSTSENATOR.Nobletribunes,
Itisthehumaneway:theothercourse
Willprovetoobloody,andtheendofit
Unknowntothebeginning.
SICINIUS.NobleMenenius,
Beyouthenasthepeople’sofficer.
Masters,laydownyourweapons.
BRUTUS.Gonothome.
SICINIUS.Meetonthemarket-place.We’llattendyou
there:
Where,ifyoubringnotMarcius,we’llproceed
Inourfirstway.
MENENIUS.I’llbringhimtoyou.
(TotheSenators)Letmedesireyourcompany.Hemust
come,
Orwhatisworstwillfollow.
FIRSTSENATOR.Prayyou,let’stohim.
Exeunt
SCENETWO
TheSame.ARoominCoriolanus’House.
EnterCoriolanusandPatricians
CORIOLANUS.Letthempullallaboutmineears;presentme
Deathonthewheel,oratwildhorses’heels;
OrpiletenhillsontheTarpeianrock,
Thattheprecipitationmightdownstretch
Belowthebeamofsight;yetwillIstill
Bethustothem.
FIRSTPATRICIAN .Youdothenobler.
CORIOLANUS.Imusemymother
Doesnotapprovemefurther,whowaswont
Tocallthemwoollenvassals,thingscreated
Tobuyandsellwithgroats,toshowbareheads
Incongregations,toyawn,bestill,andwonder,
Whenonebutofmyordinancestoodup
Tospeakofpeaceorwar.
EnterVolumnia
Italkofyou:
Whydidyouwishmemilder?Wouldyouhaveme
Falsetomynature?RathersayIplay
ThemanIam.
VOLUMNIA.O!sir,sir,sir,
Iwouldhavehadyouputyourpowerwellon
Beforeyouhadwornitout.
CORIOLANUS.Letgo.
VOLUMNIA.Youmighthavebeenenoughthemanyouare
Withstrivinglesstobeso:lesserhadbeen
Thethwartingofyourdispositionsif
Youhadnotshow’dthemhowyouweredispos’d,
Eretheylack’dpowertocrossyou.
CORIOLANUS.Letthemhang.
VOLUMNIA.Ay,andburntoo.
EnterMeneniusandSenators
MENENIUS.Come,come;youhavebeentoorough,somethingtoorough;
Youmustreturnandmendit.
FIRSTSENATOR.There’snoremedy;
Unless,bynotsodoing,ourgoodcity
Cleaveinthemidst,andperish.
VOLUMNIA.Praybecounsell’d.
Ihaveaheartofmettle,aptasyours.
Butyetabrainthatleadsmyuseofanger
Tobettervantage.
MENENIUS.Wellsaid,noblewoman!
Beforeheshouldthusstooptotheherd,butthat
Theviolentfito’thetimecravesitasphysic
Forthewholestate,Iwouldputminearmouron,
WhichIcanscarcelybear.
CORIOLANUS.WhatmustIdo?
MENENIUS.Returntothetribunes.
CORIOLANUS.Well,whatthen?whatthen?
MENENIUS.Repentwhatyouhavespoke.
CORIOLANUS.Forthem!Icannotdoittothegods;
MustIthendo’ttothem?
VOLUMNIA.Youaretooabsolute;
Thoughthereinyoucanneverbetoonoble,
Butwhenextremitiesspeak.Ihaveheardyousay,
Honourandpolicy,likeunsever ’dfriends,
I’thewardogrowtogether:grantthat,andtellme,
Inpeacewhateachofthembytheotherlose,
Thattheycombinenotthere.
CORIOLANUS.Tush,tush!
MENENIUS.Agooddemand.
VOLUMNIA.Ifitbehonourinyourwarstoseem
Thesameyouarenot,—which,foryourbestends,
Youadoptyourpolicy,—howisitlessorworse,
Thatitshallholdcompanionshipinpeace
Withhonour,asinwar,sincethattoboth
Itstandsinlikerequest?
CORIOLANUS.Whyforceyouthis?
VOLUMNIA.Becausethatnowitliesyouontospeak
Tothepeople;notbyyourowninstruction,
Norbythematterwhichyourheartpromptsyou,
Butwithsuchwordsthatarebutrootedin
Yourtongue,thoughbutbastardsandsyllables
Ofnoallowancetoyourbosom’struth.
Now,thisnomoredishonoursyouatall
Thantotakeinatownwithgentlewords,
Whichelsewouldputyoutoyourfortuneand
Thehazardofmuchblood.
Iwoulddissemblewithmynaturewhere
Myfortunesandmyfriendsatstakerequir ’d
Ishoulddosoinhonour:Iaminthis,
Yourwife,yourson,thesesenators,thenobles;
Andyouwillrathershowourgenerallouts
Howyoucanfrownthanspendafawnupon’em,
Fortheinheritanceoftheirlovesandsafeguard
Ofwhatthatwantmightruin.
MENENIUS.Noblelady!
Come,gowithus;speakfair;youmaysalveso,
Notwhatisdangerouspresent,buttheloss
Ofwhatispast.
VOLUMNIA.Ipritheenow,myson,
Gotothem,withthisbonnetinthyhand;
Andthusfarhavingstretch’dit,—herebewiththem,
Thykneebussingthestones,—forinsuchbusiness
Actioniseloquence,andtheeyesoftheignorant
Morelearnedthantheears,—wavingthyhead,
Whichoften,thus,correctingthystoutheart,
Nowhumbleastheripestmulberry
Thatwillnotholdthehandling:orsaytothem,
Thouarttheirsoldier,andbeingbredinbroils
Hastnotthesoftwaywhich,thoudostconfess,
Werefitfortheetouseastheytoclaim,
Inaskingtheirgoodloves;butthouwiltframe
Thyself,forsooth,hereaftertheirs,sofar
Asthouhastpowerandperson.
MENENIUS.Thisbutdone,
Evenasshespeaks,why,theirheartswereyours;
Fortheyhavepardons,beingask’d,asfree
Aswordstolittlepurpose.
VOLUMNIA.Pritheenow,
Go,andberul’d;althoughIknowthouhadstrather
Followthineenemyinafierygulf
Thanflatterhiminabower.HereisCominius.
EnterCominius
COMINIUS.Ihavebeeni’themarket-place;and,sir,’tisfit
Youmakestrongparty,ordefendyourself
Bycalmnessorbyabsence:all’sinanger.
MENENIUS.Onlyfairspeech.
COMINIUS.Ithink’twillserveifhe
Cantheretoframehisspirit.
VOLUMNIA.Hemust,andwill.
Pritheenow,sayyouwill,andgoaboutit.
CORIOLANUS.MustIgoshowthemmyunbarbedsconce?
MustIwithmybasetonguegivetomynobleheart
Aliethatitmustbear?Well,Iwilldo’t:
Yet,weretherebutthissingleplottolose,
ThismouldofMarcius,theytodustshouldgrindit,
Andthrow’tagainstthewind.Tothemarket-place!
Youhaveputmenowtosuchapartwhichnever
Ishalldischargetothelife.
COMINIUS.Come,come,we’llpromptyou.
VOLUMNIA.Ipritheenow,sweetson,asthouhastsaid
Mypraisesmadetheefirstasoldier,so,
Tohavemypraiseforthis,performapart
Thouhastnotdonebefore.
CORIOLANUS.Well,Imustdo’t:
Away,mydisposition,andpossessme
Someharlot’sspirit!Mythroatofwarbeturn’d,
Whichquiredwithmydrum,intoapipe
Smallasaeunuch,orthevirginvoice
Thatbabieslullsasleep!Thesmilesofknaves
Tentinmycheeks,andschoolboys’tearstakeup
Theglassesofmysight!Abeggar ’stongue
Makemotionthroughmylips,andmyarm’dknees,
Whobow’dbutinmystirrup,bendlikehis
Thathathreceiv’danalms!Iwillnotdo’t,
LestIsurceasetohonourmineowntruth,
Andbymybody’sactionteachmymind
Amostinherentbaseness.
VOLUMNIA.Atthychoicethen:
Tobegoftheeitismymoredishonour
Thanthouofthem.Comealltoruin;let
Thymotherratherfeelthypridethanfear
Thydangerousstoutness,forImockatdeath
Withasbigheartasthou.Doasthoulist,
Thyvaliantnesswasmine,thousuck’dstitfromme
Butowethypridethyself.
CORIOLANUS.Pray,becontent:
Mother,Iamgoingtothemarket-place;
Chidemenomore.I’llmountebanktheirloves,
Cogtheirheartsfromthem,andcomehomebelov’d
OfallthetradesinRome.Look,Iamgoing:
Commendmetomywife.I’llreturnconsul,
Ornevertrusttowhatmytonguecando
I’thewayofflatteryfurther.
VOLUMNIA.Doyourwill.Exit
COMINIUS.Away!thetribunesdoattendyou:armyourself
Toanswermildly;fortheyareprepar ’d
Withaccusations,asIhear,morestrong
Thanareuponyouyet.
MENENIUS.Thewordis‘mildly.’
CORIOLANUS.Prayyou,letusgo:
Letthemaccusemebyinvention,I
Willanswerinminehonour.
MENENIUS.Ay,butmildly.
CORIOLANUS.Well,mildlybeitthen.Mildly!Exeunt
SCENETHREE
TheSame.TheForum.
EnterSiciniusandBrutus
BRUTUS.Inthispointchargehimhome,thatheaffects
Tyrannicalpower:ifheevadeusthere,
Enforcehimwithhisenvytothepeople,
AndthatthespoilgotontheAntiates
Wasne’erdistributed.—
EnteranÆdile
What,willhecome?
ÆDILE.He’scoming.
BRUTUS.Howaccompanied?
ÆDILE.WitholdMenenius,andthosesenators
Thatalwaysfavour ’dhim.
SICINIUS.Haveyouacatalogue
Ofallthevoicesthatwehaveprocur ’d,
Setdownbythepoll?
ÆDILE.Ihave;’tisready.
SICINIUS.Haveyoucollectedthembytribes?
ÆDILE.Ihave.
SICINIUS.Assemblepresentlythepeoplehither;
Andwhentheyhearmesay,‘Itshallbeso,
I’therightandstrengtho’thecommons,’beiteither
Fordeath,forfine,orbanishment,thenletthem,
IfIsay,fine,cry‘fine,’—ifdeath,cry‘death,’
Insistingontheoldprerogative
Andpoweri’thetrutho’thecause.
ÆDILE.Ishallinformthem.
BRUTUS.Andwhensuchtimetheyhavebeguntocry,
Letthemnotcease,butwithadinconfus’d
Enforcethepresentexecution
Ofwhatwechancetosentence.
ÆDILE.Verywell.
SICINIUS.Makethembestrongandreadyforthishint.
Whenweshallhaptogive’tthem.
BRUTUS.Goaboutit.
ExitÆdile
Puthimtocholerstraight.Hehathbeenus’d
Evertoconquer,andtohavehisworth
Ofcontradiction:beingoncechaf’d,hecannot
Berein’dagaintotemperance;thenhespeaks
What’sinhisheart;andthatistherewhichlooks
Withustobreakhisneck.
SICINIUS.Well,herehecomes.
EnterCoriolanus,Menenius,Cominius,Senators,
andPatricians
MENENIUS.Calmly,Idobeseechyou.
CORIOLANUS.Ay,asanostler,thatforthepoorestpiece
Willbeartheknavebythevolume.Thehonour ’dgods
KeepRomeinsafety,andthechairsofjustice
Suppliedwithworthymen!plantloveamongus!
Throngourlargetempleswiththeshowsofpeace,
Andnotourstreetswithwar!
FIRSTSENATOR.Amen,amen.
MENENIUS.Anoblewish.
Re-enterÆdile,withCitizens
SICINIUS.Drawnear,yepeople.
ÆDILE.Listtoyourtribunes;audience;peace!Isay.
CORIOLANUS.First,hearmespeak.
BOTHTRIBUNES.Well,say,Peace,ho!
CORIOLANUS.ShallIbecharg’dnofurtherthanthispresent?
Mustalldeterminehere?
SICINIUS.Idodemand,
Ifyousubmityoutothepeople’svoices,
Allowtheirofficers,andarecontent
Tosufferlawfulcensureforsuchfaults
Asshallbeprov’duponyou?
CORIOLANUS.Iamcontent.
MENENIUS.Lo!citizens,hesaysheiscontent:
Thewarlikeservicehehasdone,consider;think
Uponthewoundshisbodybears,whichshow
Likegravesi’theholychurchyard.
CORIOLANUS.Scratcheswithbriers,
Scarstomovelaughteronly.
MENENIUS.Considerfurther,
Thatwhenhespeaksnotlikeacitizen,
Youfindhimlikeasoldier:donottake
Hisrougheraccentsformalicioussounds,
But,asIsay,suchasbecomeasoldier,
Ratherthanenvyyou.
COMINIUS.(ToCoriolanus)Well,well;nomore.
CORIOLANUS.Whatisthematter,
Thatbeingpass’dforconsulwithfullvoice
Iamsodishonour ’dthattheveryhour
Youtakeitoffagain?
SICINIUS.Answertous.
CORIOLANUS.Say,then:’tistrue,Ioughtso.
SICINIUS.Wechargeyou,thatyouhavecontriv’dtotake
FromRomeallseason’doffice,andtowind
Yourselfintoapowertyrannical;
Forwhichyouareatraitortothepeople.
CORIOLANUS.How!Traitor!
MENENIUS.Nay,temperately;yourpromise.
CORIOLANUS.Thefiresi’thelowesthellfold-inthepeople!
Callmetheirtraitor!Thouinjurioustribune!
Withinthineeyessattwentythousanddeaths,
Inthyhandsclutch’dasmanymillions,in
Thylyingtonguebothnumbers,Iwouldsay
‘Thouliest’untotheewithavoiceasfree
AsIdopraythegods.
SICINIUS.Markyouthis,people?
CITIZENS.Totherock.—totherockwithhim!
SICINIUS.Peace!
Weneednotputnewmattertohischarge:
Whatyouhaveseenhimdo,andheardhimspeak,
Beatingyourofficers,cursingyourselves,
Opposinglawswithstrokes,andheredefying
Thosewhosegreatpowermusttryhim;eventhis,
Socriminalandinsuchcapitalkind,
Deservestheextremestdeath.
BRUTUS.Butsincehehath
Serv’dwellforRome,—
CORIOLANUS.Whatdoyouprateofservice?
BRUTUS.Italkofthat,thatknowit.
CORIOLANUS.You!
MENENIUS.Isthisthepromisethatyoumadeyourmother?
COMINIUS.Know,Iprayyou,—
CORIOLANUS.I’llknownofurther:
LetthempronouncethesteepTarpeiandeath,
Vagabondexile,flaying,penttolinger
Butwithagrainaday,Iwouldnotbuy
Theirmercyatthepriceofonefairword,
Norcheckmycourageforwhattheycangive,
Tohave’twithsaying‘Good-morrow.’
SICINIUS.Forthathehas,—
Asmuchasinhimlies,—fromtimetotime
Enviedagainstthepeople,seekingmeans
Topluckawaytheirpower,asnowatlast
Givenhostilestrokes,andthatnotinthepresence
Ofdreadedjustice,butontheministers
Thatdodistributeit;inthenameo’thepeople,
Andinthepowerofusthetribunes,we,
Evenfromthisinstant,banishhimourcity,
Inperilofprecipitation
FromofftherockTarpeian,nevermore
ToenterourRomegates:i’thepeople’sname,
Isay,itshallbeso.
CITIZENS.Itshallbeso,—Itshallbeso,—Lethimaway.—
He’sbanish’d,anditshallbeso.
COMINIUS.Hearme,mymasters,andmycommon
friends,—
SICINIUS.He’ssentenc’d;nomorehearing.
COMINIUS.Letmespeak:
Ihavebeenconsul,andcanshowforRome
Herenemies’marksuponme.Idolove
Mycountry’sgoodwitharespectmoretender,
Moreholy,andprofound,thanmineownlife,
Mydearwife’sestimate,herwomb’sincrease,
Andtreasureofmyloins;thenifIwould
Speakthat—
SICINIUS.Weknowyourdrift:speakwhat?
BRUTUS.There’snomoretobesaid,butheisbanish’d,
Asenemytothepeopleandhiscountry:
Itshallbeso.
CITIZENS.Itshallbeso,—itshallbeso.
CORIOLANUS.Youcommoncryofcurs!whosebreathIhate
Asreeko’therottenfens,whoselovesIprize
Asthedeadcarcasesofunburiedmen
Thatdocorruptmyair,Ibanishyou;
Andhereremainwithyouruncertainty!
Leteveryfeeblerumourshakeyourhearts!
Yourenemies,withnoddingoftheirplumes,
Fanyouintodespair!Havethepowerstill
Tobanishyourdefenders;tillatlength
Yourignorance,—whichfindsnot,tillitfeels—
Makingbutreservationofyourselves,—
Stillyourownfoes,—deliveryouasmost
Abatedcaptivestosomenation
Thatwonyouwithoutblows!Despising,
Foryou,thecity,thusIturnmyback:
Thereisaworldelsewhere.
ExeuntCoriolanus,
Cominius,Menenius,Senators,andPatricians
ÆDILE.Thepeople’senemyisgone,isgone!
CITIZENS.Ourenemyisbanish’d!—heisgone!—
Hoo!hoo!Theyallshoutandthrowuptheircaps
SICINIUS.Go,seehimoutatgates,andfollowhim,
Ashehathfollow’dyou,withalldespite;
Givehimdeserv’dvexation.Letaguard
Attendusthroughthecity.
CITIZENS.Come,come,—letusseehimoutatgates!come!
Thegodspreserveournobletribunes!Come!Exeunt
ACTFOUR
SCENEONE
Rome.BeforeaGateoftheCity.
EnterCoriolanus,Volumnia,Virgilia,Menenius,Cominius,
andseveralyoungPatricians
CORIOLANUS.Come,leaveyourtears:abrieffarewell:the
beast
Withmanyheadsbuttsmeaway.Nay,mother,
Whereisyourancientcourage?Youwereus’d,
Tosayextremitywasthetrierofspirits;
Thatcommonchancescommonmencouldbear;
Thatwhentheseawascalmallboatsalike
Show’dmastershipinfloating;fortune’sblows,
Whenmoststruckhome,beinggentlewounded,craves
Anoblecunning:youwereus’dtoloadme
Withpreceptsthatwouldmakeinvincible
Theheartthatconn’dthem.
VIRGILIA.Oheavens!Oheavens!
CORIOLANUS.Nay,Iprithee,woman,—
VOLUMNIA.Nowtheredpestilencestrikealltradesin
Rome,
Andoccupationsperish!
CORIOLANUS.What,what,what!
Ishallbelov’dwhenIamlack’d.Nay,mother,
Resumethatspirit,whenyouwerewonttosay,
IfyouhadbeenthewifeofHercules,
Sixofhislaboursyou’dhavedone,andsav’d
Yourhusbandsomuchsweat.Cominius,
Droopnot;adieu.Farewell,mywife!mymother!
I’lldowellyet.ThouoldandtrueMenenius,
Thytearsaresalterthanayoungerman’s,
Andvenomoustothineeyes.Mysometimegeneral
Ihaveseentheestern,andthouhastoftbeheld
Heart-hardeningspectacles;tellthesesadwomen
’Tisfondtowailinevitablestrokes
As’tistolaughatthem.Mymother,youwotwell
Myhazardsstillhavebeenyoursolace;and
Believe’tnotlightly,—thoughIgoalone
Liketoalonelydragon,thathisfen
Makesfear ’dandtalk’dofmorethanseen,—yourson
Willorexceedthecommonorbecaught
Withcautelousbaitsandpractice.
VOLUMNIA.Myfirstson,
Whitherwiltthougo?TakegoodCominius
Withtheeawhile:determineonsomecourse,
Morethanawildexposturetoeachchance
Thatstartsi’thewaybeforethee.
CORIOLANUS.Othegods!
COMINIUS.I’llfollowtheeamonth,devisewiththee
Wherethoushaltrest,thatthoumaysthearofus,
Andweofthee:so,ifthetimethrustforth
Acauseforthyrepeal,weshallnotsend
O’erthevastworldtoseekasingleman,
Andloseadvantage,whichdothevercool,
I’theabsenceoftheneeder.
CORIOLANUS.Fareyewell:
Thouhastyearsuponthee;andthouarttoofull
Ofthewars’surfeits,togorovewithone
That’syetunbruis’d:bringmebutoutatgate.
Come,mysweetwife,mydearestmother,and
Myfriendsofnobletouch,whenIamforth,
Bidmefarewell,andsmile.Iprayyou,come.
WhileIremainabovethegroundyoushall
Hearfrommestill;andneverofmeaught
Butwhatislikemeformerly.
MENENIUS.That’sworthily
Asanyearcanhear.Come,let’snotweep.
IfIcouldshakeoffbutonesevenyears
Fromtheseoldarmsandlegs,bythegoodgods,
I’dwiththeeeveryfoot.
CORIOLANUS.Givemethyhand:
Come.Exeunt
SCENETWO
TheSame.AStreetneartheGate.
EnterSicinius,Brutus,andanÆdile
SICINIUS.Bidthemallhome;he’sgone,andwe’llnofurther.
Thenobilityarevex’d,whomweseehavesided
Inhisbehalf.
BRUTUS.Nowwehaveshownourpower,
Letusseemhumblerafteritisdone
Thanwhenitwasa-doing.
SICINIUS.Bidthemhome;
Saytheirgreatenemyisgone,andthey
Standintheirancientstrength.
BRUTUS.Dismissthemhome.
ExitÆdile
EnterVolumnia,Virgilia,andMenenius
Herecomeshismother.
SICINIUS.Let’snotmeether.
BRUTUS.Why?
SICINIUS.Theysayshe’smad.
BRUTUS.Theyhaveta’ennoteofus:keeponyourway.
VOLUMNIA.O!you’rewellmet.Thehoardedplagueo’the
gods
Requiteyourlove!
MENENIUS.Peace,peace!benotsoloud.
VOLUMNIA.IfthatIcouldforweeping,youshouldhear,—
Nay,andyoushallhearsome.(ToBrutus)Willyoube
gone?
VIRGILIA.(ToSicinius)Youshallstaytoo:IwouldIhad
thepower
Tosaysotomyhusband.
SICINIUS.Areyoumankind?
VOLUMNIA.Ay,fool;isthatashame?Notebutthisfool.
Wasnotamanmyfather?Hadstthoufoxship
TobanishhimthatstruckmoreblowsforRome
Thanthouhastspokenwords?
SICINIUS.Oblessedheavens!
VOLUMNIA.Morenobleblowsthaneverthouwisewords;
AndforRome’sgood.I’lltelltheewhat;yetgo:
Nay,butthoushaltstaytoo:Iwouldmyson
WereinArabia,andthytribebeforehim,
Hisgoodswordinhishand.
SIClNIUS.Whatthen?
VIRGILIA.Whatthen!
He’dmakeanendofthyposterity.
VOLUMNIA.Bastardsandall.
Goodman,thewoundsthathedoesbearforRome!
MENENIUS.Come,come:peace!
SICINIUS.Iwouldhehadcontinu’dtohiscountry
Ashebegan,andnotunknithimself
Thenobleknothemade.
BRUTUS.Iwouldhehad.
VOLUMNIA.‘Iwouldhehad’!’Twasyouincens’dthe
rabble:
Cats,thatcanjudgeasfitlyofhisworth
AsIcanofthosemysterieswhichheaven
Willnothaveearthtoknow.
BRUTUS.Pray,letusgo.
VOLUMNIA.Now,pray,sir,getyougone:
Youhavedoneabravedeed.Ereyougo,hearthis:
AsfarasdoththeCapitolexceed
ThemeanesthouseinRome,sofarmyson,—
Thislady’shusbandhere,this,doyousee,—
Whomyouhavebanish’d,doesexceedyouall.
BRUTUS.Well,well,we’llleaveyou.
SICINIUS.Whystaywetobebaited
Withonethatwantsherwits?
VOLUMNIA.Takemyprayerswithyou.
ExeuntTribunes
Iwouldthegodshadnothingelsetodo
Buttoconfirmmycurses!CouldImeet’em
Butonceaday,itwouldunclogmyheart
Ofwhatliesheavyto’t.
MENENIUS.Youhavetoldthemhome,
And,bymytroth,youhavecause.You’llsupwithme?
VOLUMNIA.Anger ’smymeat;Isupuponmyself,
Andsoshallstarvewithfeeding.Come,let’sgo.
LeavethisfaintpulingandlamentasIdo,
Inanger,Juno-like.Come,come,come.
MENENIUS.Fie,fie,fie!Exeunt
SCENETHREE
AHighwaybetweenRomeandAntium.
EnteraRomanandaVolsce,meeting
ROMAN .Iknowyouwell,sir,andyouknowme:your
nameIthinkisAdrian.
VOLSCE.Itisso,sir:truly,Ihaveforgotyou.
ROMAN .IamaRoman;andmyservicesare,asyouare,
against’em:knowyoumeyet?
VOLSCE.Nicanor?No.
ROMAN .Thesame,sir.
VOLSCE.Youhadmorebeard,whenIlastsawyou;but
yourfavouriswellapprovedbyyourtongue.What’s
thenewsinRome?IhaveanotefromtheVolscianstate
tofindyououtthere:youhavewellsavedmeaday’s
journey.
ROMAN .TherehathbeeninRomestrangeinsurrections:
thepeopleagainstthesenators,patricians,andnobles.
VOLSCE.Hathbeen!Isitendedthen?Ourstatethinksnot
so;theyareinamostwarlikepreparation,andhopeto
comeuponthemintheheatoftheirdivision.
ROMAN .Themainblazeofitispast,butasmallthing
wouldmakeitflameagain.Forthenoblesreceivesoto
heartthebanishmentofthatworthyCoriolanus,that
theyareinaripeaptnesstotakeallpowerfromthepeopleandtopluckfromthemtheirtribunesforever.This
liesglowing,Icantellyou,andisalmostmatureforthe
violentbreakingout.
VOLSCE.Coriolanusbanished!
ROMAN .Banished,sir.
VOLSCE.Youwillbewelcomewiththisintelligence,Ni-
canor.
ROMAN .Thedayserveswellforthemnow.Ihaveheard
itsaid,thefittesttimetocorruptaman’swifeiswhen
she’sfallenoutwithherhusband.YournobleTullus
Aufidiuswillappearwellinthesewars,hisgreatopposer,Coriolanus,beingnowinnorequestofhiscountry.
VOLSCE.Hecannotchoose.Iammostfortunate,thusac-
cidentallytoencounteryou:youhaveendedmybusiness,andIwillmerrilyaccompanyyouhome.
ROMAN .Ishall,betweenthisandsupper,tellyoumost
strangethingsfromRome;alltendingtothegoodof
theiradversaries.Haveyouanarmyready,sayyou?
VOLSCE.Amostroyalone:thecenturionsandtheircharges
distinctlybilleted,alreadyintheentertainment,andto
beonfootatanhour ’swarning.
ROMAN .Iamjoyfultohearoftheirreadiness,andamthe
man,Ithink,thatshallsettheminpresentaction.So,
sir,heartilywellmet,andmostgladofyourcompany.
VOLSCE.Youtakemypartfromme,sir;Ihavethemost
causetobegladofyours.
ROMAN .Well,letusgotogether.Exeunt
SCENEFOUR
Antium.BeforeAufidius’House.
EnterCoriolanus,inmeanapparel,disguisedandmuffled
CORIOLANUS.AgoodlycityisthisAntium.City,
’TisIthatmadethywidows:manyanheir
Ofthesefairedifices’foremywars
HaveIheardgroananddrop:then,knowmenot,
Lestthatthywiveswithspitsandboyswithstones
Inpunybattleslayme.
EnteraCitizen
Saveyou,sir.
CITIZEN .Andyou.
CORIOLANUS.Directme,ifitbeyourwill,
WheregreatAufidiuslies.IsheinAntium?
CITIZEN .Heis,andfeaststhenoblesofthestate
Athishousethisnight.
CORIOLANUS.Whichishishouse,beseechyou?
CITIZEN .This,herebeforeyou.
CORIOLANUS.Thankyou,sir.Farewell.
ExitCitizen
Oworld!thyslipperyturns.Friendsnowfastsworn,
Whosedoublebosomsseemtowearoneheart,
Whosehours,whosebed,whosemeal,andexercise,
Arestilltogether,whotwin,as’twere,inlove
Unseparable,shallwithinthishour,
Onadissensionofadoit,breakout
Tobitterestenmity:so,fellestfoes,
Whosepassionsandwhoseplotshavebroketheirsleep
Totaketheonetheother,bysomechance,
Sometricknotworthanegg,shallgrowdearfriends
Andinterjointheirissues.Sowithme:
Mybirth-placehateI,andmylove’supon
Thisenemytown.I’llenter:ifheslayme,
Hedoesfairjustice;ifhegivemeway,
I’lldohiscountryservice.Exit
SCENEFIVE
TheSame.AHallinAufidius’House.
Musicwithin.EnteraServingman
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Wine,wine,wine!Whatserviceis
here!Ithinkourfellowsareasleep.Exit
EnteraSecondServingman
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Where’sCotus?mymastercallsfor
him.Cotus!Exit
EnterCoriolanus
CORIOLANUS.Agoodlyhouse:thefeastsmellswell;butI
Appearnotlikeaguest.
Re-entertheFirstServingman
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Whatwouldyouhave,friend?
Whenceareyou?Here’snoplaceforyou:pray,goto
thedoor.Exit
CORIOLANUS.Ihavedeserv’dnobetterentertainment,
InbeingCoriolanus.
Re-enterSecondServingman
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Whenceareyou,sir?Hastheporter
hiseyesinhishead,thathegivesentrancetosuchcompanions?Pray,getyouout.
CORIOLANUS.Away!
SECONDSERVINGMAN .‘Away’!Getyouaway.
CORIOLANUS.Now,thouarttroublesome.
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Areyousobrave?I’llhaveyou
talkedwithanon.
EnteraThirdServingman.Re-entertheFirst
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Whatfellow’sthis?
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .AstrangeoneaseverIlookedon:I
cannotgethimouto’thehouse:prithee,callmymaster
tohim.
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Whathaveyoutodohere,fellow?
Prayyou,avoidthehouse.
CORIOLANUS.Letmebutstand;Iwillnothurtyourhearth.
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Whatareyou?
CORIOLANUS.Agentleman.
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Amarvellouspoorone.
CORIOLANUS.True,soIam.
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Prayyou,poorgentleman,takeup
someotherstation;here’snoplaceforyou;prayyou,
avoid:come.
CORIOLANUS.Followyourfunction;go,andbattenoncold
bits.Pusheshimaway
THIRDSERVINGMAN .What,youwillnot?Pritheetellmy
masterwhatastrangeguesthehashere.
SECONDSERVINGMAN .AndIshall.Exit
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Wheredwell’stthou?
CORIOLANUS.Underthecanopy.
THIRDSERVINGMAN .‘Underthecanopy’!
CORIOLANUS.Ay.
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Where’sthat?
CORIOLANUS.I’thecityofkitesandcrows.
THIRDSERVINGMAN .I’thecityofkitesandcrows’!What
anassitis!Thenthoudwell’stwithdawstoo?
CORIOLANUS.No;Iservenotthymaster.
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Howsir!Doyoumeddlewithmy
master?
CORIOLANUS.Ay;’tisanhonesterservicethantomeddle
withthymistress.
Thouprat’st,andprat’st:servewiththytrencher.
Hence.
Beatshimaway
EnterAufidiusandFirstServingman
AUFIDIUS.Whereisthisfellow?
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Here,sir:I’dhavebeatenhimlikea
dog,butfordisturbingthelordswithin.
AUFIDIUS.Whencecom’stthou?whatwouldstthou?Thy
name?
Whyspeak’stnot?Speak,man:what’sthyname?
CORIOLANUS.(Unmuffling)If,Tullus,
Notyetthouknow’stme,and,seeingme,dostnot
ThinkmeforthemanIam,necessity
Commandsmenamemyself.
AUFIDIUS.Whatisthyname?
Servantsretire
CORIOLANUS.AnameunmusicaltotheVolscians’ears,
Andharshinsoundtothine.
AUFIDIUS.Say,what’sthyname?
Thouhastagrimappearance,andthyface
Bearsacommandin’t;thoughthytackle’storn,
Thoushow’stanoblevessel.What’sthyname?
CORIOLANUS.Preparethybrowtofrown.Know’stthoume
yet?
AUFIDIUS.Iknowtheenot.Thyname?
CORIOLANUS.MynameisCaiusMarcius,whohathdone
Totheeparticularly,andtoalltheVolsces,
Greathurtandmischief;theretowitnessmay
Mysurname,Coriolanus:thepainfulservice,
Theextremedangers,andthedropsofblood
Shedformythanklesscountry,arerequited
Butwiththatsurname;agoodmemory,
Andwitnessofthemaliceanddispleasure
Whichthoushouldstbearme:onlythatnameremains;
Thecrueltyandenvyofthepeople,
Permittedbyourdastardnobles,who
Haveallforsookme,hathdevour ’dtherest;
Andsuffer ’dmebythevoiceofslavestobe
Whoop’doutofRome.Nowthisextremity
Hathbroughtmetothyhearth;notoutofhope,
Mistakemenot,tosavemylife,forif
Ihadfear ’ddeath,ofallthemeni’theworld
Iwouldhave’voidedthee;butinmerespite,
Tobefullquitofthosemybanishers,
StandIbeforetheehere.Thenifthouhast
Aheartofwreakinthee,thatwillrevenge
Thineownparticularwrongsandstopthosemaims
Ofshameseenthroughthycountry,speedtheestraight,
Andmakemymiseryservethyturn:souseit,
Thatmyrevengefulservicesmayprove
Asbenefitstothee,forIwillfight
Againstmycanker ’dcountrywiththespleen
Ofalltheunderfiends.Butifsobe
Thoudar ’stnotthis,andthattoprovemorefortunes
Thouarttir ’d,then,inaword,Ialsoam
Longertolivemostweary,andpresent
Mythroattotheeandtothyancientmalice;
Whichnottocutwouldshowtheebutafool,
SinceIhaveeverfollow’dtheewithhate,
Drawntunsofbloodoutofthycountry’sbreast,
Andcannotlivebuttothyshame,unless
Itbetodotheeservice.
AUFIDIUS.OMarcius,Marcius!
Eachwordthouhastspokehathweededfrommyheart
Arootofancientenvy.IfJupiter
Shouldfromyondcloudspeakdivinethings,
Andsay,‘’Tistrue,’I’dnotbelievethemmore
Thanthee,allnobleMarcius.Letmetwine
Minearmsaboutthatbody,whereagainst
Mygrainedashahundredtimeshathbroke,
Andscarr ’dthemoonwithsplinters:hereIclip
Theanvilofmysword,anddocontest
Ashotlyandasnoblywiththylove
AseverinambitiousstrengthIdid
Contendagainstthyvalour.Knowthoufirst,
Ilov’dthemaidImarried;neverman
Sigh’dtruerbreath;butthatIseetheehere,
Thounoblething!moredancesmyraptheart
ThanwhenIfirstmyweddedmistresssaw
Bestridemythreshold.Why,thouMars!Itellthee,
Wehaveapoweronfoot;andIhadpurpose
Oncemoretohewthytargetfromthybrawn,
Orloseminearmfor’t.Thouhastbeatmeout
Twelveseveraltimes,andIhavenightlysince
Dreamtofencounters’twixtthyselfandme;
Wehavebeendowntogetherinmysleep,
Unbucklinghelms,fistingeachother ’sthroat,
Andwak’dhalfdeadwithnothing.WorthyMarcius,
HadwenoquarrelelsetoRome,butthat
Thouartthencebanish’d,wewouldmusterall
Fromtwelvetoseventy,and,pouringwar
IntothebowelsofungratefulRome,
Likeaboldfloodo’er-bear.O!come;goin,
Andtakeourfriendlysenatorsbythehands,
Whonowarehere,takingtheirleavesofme,
Whoamprepar ’dagainstyourterritories,
ThoughnotforRomeitself.
CORIOLANUS.Youblessme,gods!
AUFIDIUS.Therefore,mostabsolutesir,ifthouwilthave
Theleadingofthineownrevenges,take
Theonehalfofmycommission,andsetdown,
Asbestthouartexperienc’d,sincethouknow’st
Thycountry’sstrengthandweakness,thineownways;
WhethertoknockagainstthegatesofRome,
Orrudelyvisittheminpartsremote,
Tofrightthem,eredestroy.Butcomein:
Letmecommandtheefirsttothosethatshall
Sayyeatothydesires.Athousandwelcomes!
Andmoreafriendthane’eranenemy;
Yet,Marcius,thatwasmuch.Yourhand:mostwelcome!
ExeuntCoriolanusandAufidius
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .(Advancing)Here’sastrangealtera-
tion!
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Bymyhand,Ihadthoughttohave
struckenhimwithacudgel;andyetmymindgaveme
hisclothesmadeafalsereportofhim.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Whatanarmhehas!Heturnedme
aboutwithhisfingerandhisthumb,asonewouldset
upatop.
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Nay,Iknewbyhisfacethatthere
wassomethinginhim:hehad,sir,akindofface,methought,—Icannottellhowtotermit.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Hehadso;lookingasitwere,—would
IwerehangedbutIthoughttherewasmoreinhimthan
Icouldthink.
SECONDSERVINGMAN .SodidI,I’llbesworn:heissimply
therarestmani’theworld.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Ithinkheis;butagreatersoldierthan
heyouwoton.
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Who?mymaster?
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Nay,it’snomatterforthat.
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Worthsixonhim.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Nay,notsoneither;butItakehimto
bethegreatersoldier.
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Faith,lookyou,onecannottellhow
tosaythat:forthedefenceofatownourgeneralisexcellent.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Ay,andforanassaulttoo.
Re-enterThirdServingman
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Oslaves!Icantellyounews;news,
yourascals.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .
SECONDSERVINGMAN .
What,what,what?let’spartake.
THIRDSERVINGMAN .IwouldnotbeaRoman,ofallna-
tions;Ihadasliefbeacondemnedman.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .
SECONDSERVINGMAN .
Wherefore?wherefore?
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Why,here’shethatwaswontto
thwackourgeneral,CaiusMarcius.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Whydoyousay‘thwackourgeneral’?
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Idonotsay,‘thwackourgeneral’;
buthewasalwaysgoodenoughforhim.
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Come,wearefellowsandfriends:
hewasevertoohardforhim;Ihaveheardhimsayso
himself.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Hewastoohardforhim,—directlyto
saythetruthon’t:beforeCoriolihescotchedhimand
notchedhimlikeacarbonado.
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Anhehadbeencanniballygiven,he
mighthavebroiledandeatenhimtoo.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .But,moreofthynews.
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Why,heissomadeonherewithin,
asifheweresonandheirtoMars;setatupperendo’
thetable;noquestionaskedhimbyanyofthesenators,
buttheystandbaldbeforehim.Ourgeneralhimself
makesamistressofhim;sanctifieshimselfwith’shand,
andturnsupthewhiteo’theeyetohisdiscourse.But
thebottomofthenewsis,ourgeneraliscuti’the
middle,andbutonehalfofwhathewasyesterday,for
theotherhashalf,bytheentreatyandgrantofthe
wholetable.He’llgo,hesays,andsowletheporterof
Romegatesbytheears:hewillmowdownallbefore
him,andleavehispassagepolled.
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Andhe’sasliketodo’tasanyman
Icanimagine.
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Do’t!hewilldo’t;for—lookyou,sir—
hehasasmanyfriendsasenemies;whichfriends,sir—as
itwere—durstnot—lookyou,sir—showthemselves—as
wetermit—hisfriends,whilsthe’sindirectitude.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Directitude!what’sthat?
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Butwhentheyshallsee,sir,hiscrest
upagain,andthemaninblood,theywilloutoftheir
burrows,likeconiesafterrain,andrevelallwithhim.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Butwhengoesthisforward?
THIRDSERVINGMAN .To-morrow;to-day;presently.You
shallhavethedrumstruckupthisafternoon;’tis,asit
were,aparceloftheirfeast,andtobeexecutederethey
wipetheirlips.
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Why,thenweshallhaveastirring
worldagain.Thispeaceisnothingbuttorustiron,increasetailors,andbreedballad-makers.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Letmehavewar,sayI;itexceeds
peaceasfarasdaydoesnight;it’sspritely,waking,
audible,andfullofvent.Peaceisaveryapoplexy,
lethargy;mulled,deaf,sleepy,insensible;agetterof
morebastardchildrenthanwar’sadestroyerofmen.
SECONDSERVINGMAN .’Tisso:andaswar,insomesort,
maybesaidtobearavisher,soitcannotbedeniedbut
peaceisagreatmakerofcuckolds.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Ay,anditmakesmenhateonean-
other.
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Reason:becausetheythenlessneed
oneanother.Thewarsformymoney.IhopetoseeRomansascheapasVolscians.Theyarerising,theyare
rising.
ALL.In,in,in,in!Exeunt
SCENESIX
Rome.APublicPlace.
EnterSiciniusandBrutus
SICINIUS.Wehearnotofhim,neitherneedwefearhim;
Hisremediesaretamei’thepresentpeace
Andquietnesso’thepeople,whichbefore
Wereinwildhurry.Heredowemakehisfriends
Blushthattheworldgoeswell,whoratherhad,
Thoughtheythemselvesdidsufferby’t,behold
Dissentiousnumberspesteringstreets,thansee
Ourtradesmensingingintheirshopsandgoing
Abouttheirfunctionsfriendly.
EnterMenenius
BRUTUS.Westoodto’tingoodtime.IsthisMenenius?
SICINIUS.’Tishe,’tishe.O!heisgrownmostkind
Oflate.Hail,sir!
MENENIUS.Hailtoyouboth!
SICINIUS.YourCoriolanusisnotmuchmiss’d
Butwithhisfriends:thecommonwealthdothstand,
Andsowoulddo,werehemoreangryatit.
MENENIUS.All’swell;andmighthavebeenmuchbetter,
if
Hecouldhavetemporiz’d.
SICINIUS.Whereishe,hearyou?
MENENIUS.Nay,Ihearnothing:hismotherandhiswife
Hearnothingfromhim.
EnterthreeorfourCitizens
CITIZENS.Thegodspreserveyouboth!
SICINIUS.Goodden,ourneighbours.
BRUTUS.Gooddentoyouall,gooddentoyouall.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Ourselves,ourwives,andchildren,onour
knees,
Areboundtoprayforyouboth.
SICINIUS.Live,andthrive!
BRUTUS.Farewell,kindneighbours:wewish’dCoriolanus
hadlov’dyouaswedid.
CITIZENS.Nowthegodskeepyou!
SICINIUS.
BRUTUS.
Farewell,farewell.ExeuntCitizens
SICINIUS.Thisisahappierandmorecomelytime
Thanwhenthesefellowsranaboutthestreets
Cryingconfusion.
BRUTUS.CaiusMarciuswas
Aworthyofficeri’thewar;butinsolent,
O’ercomewithpride,ambitiouspastallthinking,
Self-loving,—
SICINIUS.Andaffectingonesolethrone,
Withoutassistance.
MENENIUS.Ithinknotso.
SICINIUS.Weshouldbythis,toallourlamentation,
Ifhehadgoneforthconsul,founditso.
BRUTUS.Thegodshavewellpreventedit,andRome
Sitssafeandstillwithouthim.
EnteranÆdile
ÆDILE.Worthytribunes,
Thereisaslave,whomwehaveputinprison,
Reports,theVolsceswithtwoseveralpowers
Areenter ’dintheRomanterritories,
Andwiththedeepestmaliceofthewar
Destroywhatliesbeforethem.
MENENIUS.’TisAufidius,
Who,hearingofourMarcius’banishment,
Thrustsforthhishornsagainintotheworld;
Whichwereinshell’dwhenMarciusstoodforRome
Anddurstnotoncepeepout.
SICINIUS.Come,whattalkyouofMarcius?
BRUTUS.Goseethisrumourerwhipp’d.Itcannotbe
TheVolscesdarebreakwithus.
MENENIUS.Cannotbe!
Wehaverecordthatverywellitcan,
Andthreeexamplesofthelikehavebeen
Withinmyage.Butreasonwiththefellow,
Beforeyoupunishhim,whereheheardthis,
Lestyoushallchancetowhipyourinformation,
Andbeatthemessengerwhobidsbeware
Ofwhatistobedreaded.
SICINIUS.Tellnotme:
Iknowthiscannotbe.
BRUTUS.Notpossible.
EnteraMessenger
MESSENGER.Thenoblesingreatearnestnessaregoing
Alltothesenate-house:somenewsiscome,
Thatturnstheircountenances.
SICINIUS.’Tisthisslave.—
Gowhiphim’forethepeople’seyes:hisraising;
Nothingbuthisreport.
MESSENGER.Yes,worthysir,
Theslave’sreportisseconded;andmore,
Morefearful,isdeliver ’d.
SICINIUS.Whatmorefearful?
MESSENGER.Itisspokefreelyoutofmanymouths—
HowprobableIdonotknow—thatMarcius,
Join’dwithAufidius,leadsapower’gainstRome,
Andvowsrevengeasspaciousasbetween
Theyoung’standoldestthing.
SICINIUS.Thisismostlikely.
BRUTUS.Rais’donly,thattheweakersortmaywish
GoodMarciushomeagain.
SICINIUS.Theverytrickon’t.
MENENIUS.Thisisunlikely:
HeandAufidiuscannomoreatone,
Thanviolentestcontrariety.
EnteranotherMessenger
SECONDMESSENGER.Youaresentfortothesenate:
Afearfularmy,ledbyCaiusMarcius,
AssociatedwithAufidius,rages
Uponourterritories;andhavealready
O’erbornetheirway,consum’dwithfire,andtook
Whatlaybeforethem.
EnterCominius
COMINIUS.O!youhavemadegoodwork!
MENENIUS.Whatnews?whatnews?
COMINIUS.Youhaveholptoravishyourowndaughters,
and
Tomeltthecityleadsuponyourpates,
Toseeyourwivesdishonour ’dtoyournoses,—
MENENIUS.What’sthenews?What’sthenews?
COMINIUS.Yourtemplesburnedintheircementand
Yourfranchises,whereonyoustood,confin’d
Intoanauger ’sbore.
MENENIUS.Praynow,yournews?—
Youhavemadefairwork,Ifearme.Pray,yournews?
IfMarciusshouldbejoin’dwithVolscians,—
COMINIUS.If!
Heistheirgod:heleadsthemlikeathing
MadebysomeotherdeitythanNature,
Thatshapesmanbetter;andtheyfollowhim,
Againstusbrats,withnolessconfidence
Thanboyspursuingsummerbutterflies,
Orbutcherskillingflies.
MENENIUS.Youhavemadegoodwork,
You,andyourapron-men;youthatstoodsomuch
Uponthevoiceofoccupationand
Thebreathofgarlic-eaters!
COMINIUS.Hewillshake
YourRomeaboutyourears.
MENENIUS.AsHercules
Didshakedownmellowfruit.Youhavemadefairwork!
BRUTUS.Butisthistrue,sir?
COMINIUS.Ay;andyou’lllookpale
Beforeyoufinditother.Alltheregions
Dosmilinglyrevolt;andwhoresist
Aremock’dforvaliantignorance,
Andperishconstantfools.Whois’tcanblamehim?
Yourenemies,andhis,findsomethinginhim.
MENENIUS.Weareallundoneunless
Thenoblemanhavemercy.
COMINIUS.Whoshallaskit?
Thetribunescannotdo’tforshame;thepeople
Deservesuchpityofhimasthewolf
Doesoftheshepherds:forhisbestfriends,ifthey
Shouldsay‘BegoodtoRome,’theycharg’dhimeven
Asthoseshoulddothathaddeserv’dhishate,
Andthereinshow’dlikeenemies.
MENENIUS.’Tistrue:
Ifhewereputtingtomyhousethebrand
Thatshouldconsumeit,Ihavenottheface
Tosay‘Beseechyou,cease.’—Youhavemadefairhands,
Youandyourcrafts!youhavecraftedfair!
COMINIUS.Youhavebrought
AtremblinguponRome,suchaswasnever
Soincapableofhelp.
SICINIUS.
BRUTUS.
Saynotwebroughtit.
MENENIUS.How!Wasitwe?Welov’dhim;but,like
beasts
Andcowardlynobles,gavewayuntoyourclusters,
Whodidhoothimouto’thecity.
COMINIUS.ButIfear
They’llroarhiminagain.TullusAufidius,
Thesecondnameofmen,obeyshispoints
Asifhewerehisofficer:desperation
Isallthepolicy,strength,anddefence,
ThatRomecanmakeagainstthem.
EnteratroopofCitizens
MENENIUS.Herecometheclusters.
AndisAufidiuswithhim?Youarethey
Thatmadetheairunwholesome,whenyoucast
Yourstinkinggreasycapsinhootingat
Coriolanus’exile.Nowhe’scoming;
Andnotahairuponasoldier ’shead
Whichwillnotproveawhip:asmanycoxcombs
Asyouthrewcapsupwillhetumbledown,
Andpayyouforyourvoices.’Tisnomatter;
Ifhecouldburnusallintoonecoal,
Wehavedeserv’dit.
CITIZENS.Faith,wehearfearfulnews.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Formineownpart,
WhenIsaidbanishhim,Isaid’twaspity.
SECONDCITIZEN .AndsodidI.
THIRDCITIZEN .AndsodidI;and,tosaythetruth,sodid
verymanyofus.Thatwedidwedidforthebest;and
thoughwewillinglyconsentedtohisbanishment,yetit
wasagainstourwill.
COMINIUS.You’regoodlythings,youvoices!
MENENIUS.Youhavemade
Goodwork,youandyourcry!Shall’stotheCapitol?
COMINIUS.O!ay;whatelse?
ExeuntCominiusandMenenius
SICINIUS.Go,masters,getyouhome;benotdismay’d;
Theseareasidethatwouldbegladtohave
Thistruewhichtheysoseemtofear.Gohome,
Andshownosignoffear.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Thegodsbegoodtous.Come,masters,
let’shome.Ieversaidwewerei’thewrongwhenwe
banishedhim.
SECONDCITIZEN .Sodidweall.Butcome,let’shome.
ExeuntCitizens
BRUTUS.Idonotlikethisnews.
SICINIUS.NorI.
BRUTUS.Let’stotheCapitol.Wouldhalfmywealth
Wouldbuythisforalie!
SICINIUS.Prayletusgo.Exeunt
SCENESEVEN
ACampatasmalldistancefromRome.
EnterAufidiusandhisLieutenant
AUFIDIUS.DotheystillflytotheRoman?
LIEUTENANT.Idonotknowwhatwitchcraft’sinhim,but
Yoursoldiersusehimasthegrace’foremeat,
Theirtalkattable,andtheirthanksatend;
Andyouaredarken’dinthisaction,sir,
Evenbyyourown.
AUFIDIUS.Icannothelpitnow,
Unless,byusingmeans,Ilamethefoot
Ofourdesign.Hebearshimselfmoreproudlier,
Eventomyperson,thanIthoughthewould
WhenfirstIdidembracehim;yethisnature
Inthat’snochangeling,andImustexcuse
Whatcannotbeamended.
LIEUTENANT.Yet,Iwish;sir,—
Imeanforyourparticular,—youhadnot
Join’dincommissionwithhim;buteither
Hadbornetheactionofyourself,orelse
Tohimhadleftitsolely.
AUFIDIUS.Iunderstandtheewell;andbethousure,
Whenheshallcometohisaccount,heknowsnot
WhatIcanurgeagainsthim.Althoughitseems,
Andsohethinks,andisnolessapparent
Tothevulgareye,thathebearsallthingsfairly,
AndshowsgoodhusbandryfortheVolscianstate,
Fightsdragon-like,anddoesachieveassoon
Asdrawhissword;yethehathleftundone
Thatwhichshallbreakhisneckorhazardmine,
Whene’erwecometoouraccount.
LIEUTENANT.Sir,Ibeseechyou,thinkyouhe’llcarry
Rome?
AUFIDIUS.Allplacesyieldtohimerehesitsdown;
AndthenobilityofRomearehis:
Thesenatorsandpatricianslovehimtoo;
Thetribunesarenosoldiers;andtheirpeople
Willbeasrashintherepealashasty
Toexpelhimthence.Ithinkhe’llbetoRome
Asistheospreytothefish,whotakesit
Bysovereigntyofnature.Firsthewas
Anobleservanttothem,buthecouldnot
Carryhishonourseven;whether’twaspride,
Whichoutofdailyfortuneevertaints
Thehappyman;whetherdefectofjudgment,
Tofailinthedisposingofthosechances
Whichhewaslordof;orwhethernature
Nottobeotherthanonething,notmoving
Fromthecasquetothecushion,butcommandingpeace
Evenwiththesameausterityandgarb
Ashecontroll’dthewar;butoneofthese,
Ashehathspicesofthemall,notall,
ForIdaresofarfreehim,madehimfear ’d,
Sohated,andsobanish’d:buthehasamerit
Tochokeitintheutterance.Soourvirtues
Lieintheinterpretationofthetime;
Andpower,untoitselfmostcommendable,
Hathnotatombsoevidentasachair
Toextolwhatithathdone.
Onefiredrivesoutonefire;onenail,onenail;
Rightsbyrightsfalter,strengthsbystrengthsdofail.
Come,let’saway.When,Caius,Romeisthine,
Thouartpoor ’stofall;thenshortlyartthoumine.
Exeunt
ACTFIVE
SCENEONE
Rome.APublicPlace.
EnterMenenius,Cominius,Sicinius,Brutus,andOthers
MENENIUS.No,I’llnotgo:youhearwhathehathsaid
Whichwassometimehisgeneral;wholov’dhim
Inamostdearparticular.Hecall’dmefather:
Butwhato’that?Go,youthatbanish’dhim;
Amilebeforehistentfalldown,andknee
Thewayintohismercy.Nay,ifhecoy’d
TohearCominiusspeak,I’llkeepathome.
COMINIUS.Hewouldnotseemtoknowme.
MENENIUS.Doyouhear?
COMINIUS.Yetonetimehedidcallmebymyname.
Iurg’douroldacquaintance,andthedrops
Thatwehavebledtogether.Coriolanus
Hewouldnotanswerto;forbadallnames;
Hewasakindofnothing,titleless,
Tillhehadforg’dhimselfanameo’thefire
OfburningRome.
MENENIUS.Why,so:youhavemadegoodwork!
Apairoftribunesthathaverack’dforRome,
Tomakecoalscheap:anoblememory!
COMINIUS.Imindedhimhowroyal’twastopardon
Whenitwaslessexpected:hereplied,
Itwasabarepetitionofastate
Toonewhomtheyhadpunish’d.
MENENIUS.Verywell.
Couldhesayless?
COMINIUS.Ioffer ’dtoawakenhisregard
For’sprivatefriends:hisanswertomewas,
Hecouldnotstaytopicktheminapile
Ofnoisomemustychaff:hesaid’twasfolly.
Foronepoorgrainortwo,toleaveunburnt,
Andstilltonosetheoffence.
MENENIUS.Foronepoorgrainortwo!
Iamoneofthose;hismother,wife,hischild,
Andthisbravefellowtoo,wearethegrains:
Youarethemustychaff,andyouaresmelt
Abovethemoon.Wemustbeburntforyou.
SICINIUS.Nay,pray,bepatient:ifyourefuseyouraid
Inthisso-never-neededhelp,yetdonot
Upbraid’swithourdistress.But,sure,ifyou
Wouldbeyourcountry’spleader,yourgoodtongue,
Morethantheinstantarmywecanmake,
Mightstopourcountryman.
MENENIUS.No;I’llnotmeddle.
SICINIUS.Prayyou,gotohim.
MENENIUS.WhatshouldIdo?
BRUTUS.Onlymaketrialwhatyourlovecando
ForRome,towardsMarcius.
MENENIUS.Well;andsaythatMarcius
Returnme,asCominiusisreturn’d,
Unheard;whatthen?
Butasadiscontentedfriend,grief-shot
Withhisunkindness?say’tbeso?
SICINIUS.Yetyourgoodwill
MusthavethatthanksfromRome,afterthemeasure
Asyouintendedwell.
MENENIUS.I’llundertakeit:
Ithinkhe’llhearme.Yet,tobithislip
AndhumatgoodCominius,muchunheartsme.
Hewasnottakenwell;hehadnotdin’d:
Theveinsunfill’d,ourbloodiscold,andthen
Wepoutuponthemorning,areunapt
Togiveortoforgive;butwhenwehavestuff’d
Thesepipesandtheseconveyancesofourblood
Withwineandfeeding,wehavesupplersouls
Thaninourpriest-likefasts:therefore,I’llwatchhim
Tillhebedietedtomyrequest,
AndthenI’llsetuponhim.
BRUTUS.Youknowtheveryroadintohiskindness,
Andcannotloseyourway.
MENENIUS.Goodfaith,I’llprovehim,
Speedhowitwill.Ishallerelonghaveknowledge
Ofmysuccess.
COMINIUS.He’llneverhearhim.
SICINIUS.Not?
COMINIUS.Itellyouhedoessitingold,hiseye
Redas’twouldburnRome,andhisinjury
Thegaolertohispity.Ikneel’dbeforehim;
’Twasveryfaintlyhesaid‘Rise’;dismiss’dme
Thus,withhisspeechlesshand:whathewoulddo
Hesentinwritingafterme;whathewouldnot,
Boundwithanoathtoyieldtohisconditions:
Sothatallhopeisvain
Unlesshisnoblemotherandhiswife,
Who,asIhear,meantosolicithim
Formercytohiscountry.Thereforelet’shence,
Andwithourfairentreatieshastethemon.Exeunt
SCENETWO
TheVolscianCampbeforeRome.TheGuards
attheirstations.
Entertothem,Menenius
FIRSTGUARD.Stay!whenceareyou?
SECONDGUARD.Stand!andgoback.
MENENIUS.Youguardlikemen;’tiswell;but,byyour
leave,
Iamanofficerofstate,andcome
TospeakwithCoriolanus.
FIRSTGUARD.Fromwhence?
MENENIUS.FromRome.
FIRSTGUARD.Youmaynotpass;youmustreturn:our
general
Willnomorehearfromthence.
SECONDGUARD.You’llseeyourRomeembrac’dwithfire
before
You’llspeakwithCoriolanus.
MENENIUS.Goodmyfriends,
IfyouhaveheardyourgeneraltalkofRome,
Andofhisfriendsthere,itislotstoblanks
Mynamehathtouch’dyourears:itisMenenius.
FIRSTGUARD.Beitso;goback:thevirtueofyourname
Isnotherepassable.
MENENIUS.Itellthee,fellow,
Thygeneralismylover:Ihavebeen
Thebookofhisgoodacts,whencemenhaveread
Hisfameunparallel’d,haplyamplified;
ForIhaveeverglorifiedmyfriends—
Ofwhomhe’schief—withallthesizethatverity
Wouldwithoutlapsingsuffer:nay,sometimes,
Liketoabowluponasubtleground,
Ihavetumbledpastthethrow,andinhispraise
Havealmoststamp’dtheleasing.Therefore,fellow,
Imusthaveleavetopass.
FIRSTGUARD.Faith,sir,ifyouhadtoldasmanyliesinhis
behalfasyouhaveutteredwordsinyourown,you
shouldnotpasshere;no,thoughitwereasvirtuousto
lieastolivechastely.Thereforegoback.
MENENIUS.Prithee,fellow,remembermynameisMe-
nenius,alwaysfactionaryonthepartyofyourgeneral.
SECONDGUARD.Howsoeveryouhavebeenhisliar—asyou
sayyouhave—Iamonethat,tellingtrueunderhim,
mustsayyoucannotpass.Thereforegoback.
MENENIUS.Hashedined,canstthoutell?forIwouldnot
speakwithhimtillafterdinner.
FIRSTGUARD.YouareaRoman,areyou?
MENENIUS.Iamasthygeneralis.
FIRSTGUARD.ThenyoushouldhateRome,ashedoes.
Canyou,whenyouhavepushedoutyourgatesthevery
defenderofthem,and,inaviolentpopularignorance,
givenyourenemyyourshield,thinktofronthisrevengeswiththeeasygroansofoldwomen,thevirginal
palmsofyourdaughters,orwiththepalsiedintercession
ofsuchadecayeddotantasyouseemtobe?Canyou
thinktoblowouttheintendedfireyourcityisreadyto
flamein,withsuchweakbreathasthis?No,youare
deceived;therefore,backtoRome,andprepareforyour
execution:youarecondemned,ourgeneralhassworn
yououtofreprieveandpardon.
MENENIUS.Sirrah,ifthycaptainknewIwerehere,he
wouldusemewithestimation.
SECONDGUARD.Come,mycaptainknowsyounot.
MENENIUS.Imean,thygeneral.
FIRSTGUARD.Mygeneralcaresnotforyou.Back,Isay:
go,lestIletforthyourhalf-pintofblood;back,that’s
theutmostofyourhaving:back.
MENENIUS.Nay,but,fellow,fellow,—
EnterCoriolanusandAufidius
CORIOLANUS.What’sthematter?
MENENIUS.Now,youcompanion,I’llsayanerrandfor
you:youshallknownowthatIaminestimation;you
shallperceivethataJackguardantcannotofficemefrom
mysonCoriolanus:guess,butbymyentertainment
withhim,ifthoustandestnoti’thestateofhanging,or
ofsomedeathmorelonginspectatorship,andcrueller
insuffering;beholdnowpresently,andswoundfor
what’stocomeuponthee.(ToCoriolanus)Thegloriousgodssitinhourlysynodaboutthyparticularprosperity,andlovetheenoworsethanthyoldfatherMeneniusdoes!Omyson!myson!thouartpreparingfire
forus;lookthee,here’swatertoquenchit.Iwashardly
movedtocometothee;butbeingassurednonebutmyselfcouldmovethee,Ihavebeenblownoutofyour
gateswithsighs;andconjuretheetopardonRome,and
thypetitionarycountrymen.Thegoodgodsassuagethy
wrath,andturnthedregsofituponthisvarlethere;
this,who,likeablock,hathdeniedmyaccesstothee.
CORIOLANUS.Away!
MENENIUS.How!away!
CORIOLANUS.Wife,mother,child,Iknownot.Myaffairs
Areservantedtoothers:thoughIowe
Myrevengeproperly,myremissionlies
InVolscianbreasts.Thatwehavebeenfamiliar,
Ingrateforgetfulnessshallpoison,rather
Thanpitynotehowmuch.Therefore,begone:
Mineearsagainstyoursuitsarestrongerthan
Yourgatesagainstmyforce.Yet,forIlov’dthee,
Takethisalong;Iwrititforthysake,Givesapaper
Andwouldhavesentit.Anotherword,Menenius,
Iwillnotheartheespeak.Thisman,Aufidius,
Wasmybelov’dinRome:yetthoubehold’st!
AUFIDIUS.Youkeepaconstanttemper.
ExeuntCoriolanusandAufidius
FIRSTGUARD.Now,sir,isyournameMenenius?
SECONDGUARD.’Tisaspell,yousee,ofmuchpower.You
knowthewayhomeagain.
FIRSTGUARD.Doyouhearhowweareshentforkeeping
yourgreatnessback?
SECONDGUARD.Whatcause,doyouthink,Ihaveto
swound?
MENENIUS.Ineithercarefortheworldnoryourgeneral:
forsuchthingsasyou,Icanscarcethinkthere’sany,
ye’resoslight.Hethathathawilltodiebyhimself
fearsitnotfromanother.Letyourgeneraldohisworst.
Foryou,bethatyouare,long;andyourmiseryincrease
withyourage!Isaytoyou,asIwassaidto,Away!
Exit
FIRSTGUARD.Anoblefellow,Iwarranthim.
SECONDGUARD.Theworthyfellowisourgeneral:heisthe
rock,theoaknottobewind-shaken.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
TheTentofCoriolanus.
EnterCoriolanus,Aufidius,andOthers
CORIOLANUS.WewillbeforethewallsofRometo-morrow
Setdownourhost.Mypartnerinthisaction,
YoumustreporttotheVolscianlords,howplainly
Ihavebornethisbusiness.
AUFIDIUS.Onlytheirends
Youhaverespected;stopp’dyourearsagainst
ThegeneralsuitofRome;neveradmitted
Aprivatewhisper;no,notwithsuchfriends
Thatthoughtthemsureofyou.
CORIOLANUS.Thislastoldman,
Whomwithacrack’dheartIhavesenttoRome,
Lov’dmeabovethemeasureofafather;
Nay,goddedmeindeed.Theirlatestrefuge
Wastosendhim;forwhoseoldloveIhave,
ThoughIshow’dsourlytohim,oncemoreoffer ’d
Thefirstconditions,whichtheydidrefuse,
Andcannotnowaccept,togracehimonly
Thatthoughthecoulddomore.Averylittle
Ihaveyieldedto;freshembassiesandsuits,
Norfromthestate,norprivatefriends,hereafter
WillIlendearto.(Shoutwithin)Ha!whatshoutis
this?
ShallIbetemptedtoinfringemyvow
Inthesametime’tismade?Iwillnot.
Enter,inmourninghabits,Virgilia,Volumnia,leading
youngMarcius,Valeria,andAttendants
Mywifecomesforemost;thenthehonour ’dmould
Whereinthistrunkwasfram’d,andinherhand
Thegrandchildtoherblood.Butout,affection!
Allbondandprivilegeofnature,break!
Letitbevirtuoustobeobstinate.
Whatisthatcurtsyworth?orthosedoves’eyes,
Whichcanmakegodsforsworn?Imelt,andamnot
Ofstrongerearththanothers.Mymotherbows,
AsifOlympustoamolehillshould
Insupplicationnod;andmyyoungboy
Hathanaspectofintercession,which
Greatnaturecries‘Denynot.’LettheVolsces
PloughRome,andharrowItaly;I’llnever
Besuchagoslingtoobeyinstinct,butstand
Asifamanwereauthorofhimself
Andknewnootherkin.
VIRGILIA.Mylordandhusband!
CORIOLANUS.TheseeyesarenotthesameIworeinRome.
VIRGILIA.Thesorrowthatdeliversusthuschang’d
Makesyouthinkso.
CORIOLANUS.Likeadullactornow,
Ihaveforgotmypart,andIamout,
Eventoafulldisgrace.Bestofmyflesh,
Forgivemytyranny;butdonotsay
Forthat,‘ForgiveourRomans.’O!akiss
Longasmyexile,sweetasmyrevenge!
Now,bythejealousqueenofheaven,thatkiss
Icarriedfromthee,dear,andmytruelip
Hathvirgin’dite’ersince.Yougods!Iprate,
Andthemostnoblemotheroftheworld
Leaveunsaluted.Sink,myknee,i’theearth;Kneels
Ofthydeepdutymoreimpressionshow
Thanthatofcommonsons.
VOLUMNIA.O!standupbless’d;
Whilst,withnosoftercushionthantheflint,
Ikneelbeforethee,andunproperly
Showduty,asmistakenallthiswhile
Betweenthechildandparent.Kneels
CORIOLANUS.Whatisthis?
Yourkneestome!toyourcorrectedson!
Thenletthepebblesonthehungrybeach
Fillipthestars;thenletthemutinouswinds
Striketheproudcedars’gainstthefierysun,
Murderingimpossibility,tomake
Whatcannotbe,slightwork.
VOLUMNIA.Thouartmywarrior;
Iholptoframethee.Doyouknowthislady?
CORIOLANUS.ThenoblesisterofPublicola,
ThemoonofRome;chasteastheicicle
That’scurdiedbythefrostfrompurestsnow,
AndhangsonDian’stemple:dearValeria!
VOLUMNIA.Thisisapoorepitomeofyours,
PointingtotheChild
Whichbytheinterpretationoffulltime
Mayshowlikeallyourself.
CORIOLANUS.Thegodofsoldiers,
WiththeconsentofsupremeJove,inform
Thythoughtswithnobleness;thatthoumaystprove
Toshameunvulnerable,andsticki’thewars
Likeagreatsea-mark,standingeveryflaw,
Andsavingthosethateyethee!
VOLUMNIA.Yourknee,sirrah.
CORIOLANUS.That’smybraveboy!
VOLUMNIA.Evenhe,yourwife,thislady,andmyself,
Aresuitorstoyou.
CORIOLANUS.Ibeseechyou,peace:
Or,ifyou’dask,rememberthisbefore:
ThethingsIhaveforsworntograntmaynever
Beheldbyyoudenials.Donotbidme
Dismissmysoldiers,orcapitulate
AgainwithRome’smechanics:tellmenot
WhereinIseemunnatural:desirenot
Toallaymyragesandrevengeswith
Yourcolderreasons.
VOLUMNIA.O!nomore,nomore;
Youhavesaidyouwillnotgrantusanything;
Forwehavenothingelsetoaskbutthat
Whichyoudenyalready:yetwewillask;
That,ifyoufailinourrequest,theblame
Mayhanguponyourhardness.Therefore,hearus.
CORIOLANUS.Aufidius,andyouVolsces,mark;forwe’ll
HearnoughtfromRomeinprivate.Yourrequest?
VOLUMNIA.Shouldwebesilentandnotspeak,ourraiment
Andstateofbodieswouldbewraywhatlife
Wehaveledsincethyexile.Thinkwiththyself
Howmoreunfortunatethanalllivingwomen
Arewecomehither:sincethatthysight,whichshould
Makeoureyesflowwithjoy,heartsdancewithcomforts,
Constrainsthemweep,andshakewithfearandsorrow;
Makingthemother,wife,andchildtosee
Theson,thehusband,andthefathertearing
Hiscountry’sbowelsout.Andtopoorwe
Thineenmity’smostcapital:thoubarr ’stus
Ourprayerstothegods,whichisacomfort
Thatallbutweenjoy;forhowcanwe,
Alas!howcanweforourcountrypray,
Wheretowearebound,togetherwiththyvictory,
Wheretowearebound?Alack!orwemustlose
Thecountry,ourdearnurse,orelsethyperson,
Ourcomfortinthecountry.Wemustfind
Anevidentcalamity,thoughwehad
Ourwish,whichsideshouldwin;foreitherthou
Must,asaforeignrecreant,beled
Withmanaclesthroughoutstreets,orelse
Triumphantlytreadonthycountry’sruin,
Andbearthepalmforhavingbravelyshed
Thywifeandchildren’sblood.Formyself,son,
IpurposenottowaitonFortunetill
Thesewarsdetermine:ifIcannotpersuadethee
Rathertoshowanoblegracetobothparts
Thanseektheendofone,thoushaltnosooner
Marchtoassaultthycountrythantotread—
Trustto’t,thoushaltnot—onthymother ’swomb,
Thatbroughttheetothisworld.
VIRGILIA.Ay,andmine,
Thatbroughtyouforththisboy,tokeepyourname
Livingtotime.
BOY.A’shallnottreadonme:
I’llrunawaytillIambigger,butthenI’llfight.
CORIOLANUS.Notofawoman’stendernesstobe,
Requiresnorchildnorwoman’sfacetosee.
Ihavesattoolong.Rising
VOLUMNIA.Nay,gonotfromusthus.
Ifitwereso,thatourrequestdidtend
TosavetheRomans,therebytodestroy
TheVolsceswhomyouserve,youmightcondemnus,
Aspoisonousofyourhonour:no;oursuit
Is,thatyoureconcilethem:whiletheVolsces
Maysay‘Thismercywehaveshow’d’;theRomans,
‘Thiswereceiv’d’;andeachineitherside
Givetheall-hailtothee,andcry‘Bebless’d
Formakingupthispeace!’Thouknow’st,greatson,
Theendofwar’suncertain;butthiscertain,
That,ifthouconquerRome,thebenefit
Whichthoushalttherebyreapissuchaname
Whoserepetitionwillbedogg’dwithcurses;
Whosechroniclethuswrit:‘Themanwasnoble,
Butwithhislastattempthewip’ditout,
Destroy’dhiscountry,andhisnameremains
Totheensuingageabhorr ’d.’Speaktome,son!
Thouhastaffectedthefinestrainsofhonour,
Toimitatethegracesofthegods;
Totearwiththunderthewidecheekso’theair,
Andyettochargethysulphurwithabolt
Thatshouldbutriveanoak.Whydostnotspeak?
Think’stthouithonourableforanobleman
Stilltorememberwrongs?Daughter,speakyou:
Hecaresnotforyourweeping.Speakthou,boy:
Perhapsthychildishnesswillmovehimmore
Thancanourreasons.Thereisnomanintheworld
Moreboundto’smother;yethereheletsmeprate
Likeonei’thestocks.Thouhastneverinthylife
Show’dthydearmotheranycourtesy;
Whenshe—poorhen!fondofnosecondbrood—
Hascluck’dtheetothewars,andsafelyhome,
Loadenwithhonour.Saymyrequest’sunjust,
Andspurnmeback;butifitbenotso,
Thouartnothonest,andthegodswillplaguethee,
Thatthourestrain’stfrommethedutywhich
Toamother ’spartbelongs.Heturnsaway:
Down,ladies;letusshamehimwithourknees.
TohissurnameCoriolanus’longsmorepride
Thanpitytoourprayers.Down:anend;
Thisisthelast:sowewillhometoRome,
Anddieamongourneighbours.Nay,beholdus.
Thisboy,thatcannottellwhathewouldhave,
Butkneelsandholdsuphandsforfellowship,
Doesreasonourpetitionwithmorestrength
Thanthouhasttodeny’t.Come,letusgo:
ThisfellowhadaVolsciantohismother;
HiswifeisinCorioli,andhischild
Likehimbychance.Yetgiveusourdispatch:
Iamhush’duntilourcitybea-fire,
AndthenI’llspeakalittle.
CORIOLANUS.(HoldingVolumniabythehand,silent)
O,mother,mother!
Whathaveyoudone?Behold!theheavensdoope,
Thegodslookdown,andthisunnaturalscene
Theylaughat.Omymother!mother!O!
YouhavewonahappyvictorytoRome;
But,foryourson,believeit,O!believeit,
Mostdangerouslyyouhavewithhimprevail’d,
Ifnotmostmortaltohim.Butletitcome.
Aufidius,thoughIcannotmaketruewars,
I’llframeconvenientpeace.Now,goodAufidius,
Wereyouinmystead,wouldyouhaveheard
Amotherless,orgrantedless,Aufidius?
AUFIDIUS.Iwasmov’dwithal.
CORIOLANUS.Idarebeswornyouwere:
And,sir,itisnolittlethingtomake
Mineeyestosweatcompassion.But,goodsir,
Whatpeaceyou’llmake,adviseme:formypart,
I’llnottoRome,I’llbackwithyou;andprayyou,
Standtomeinthiscause.Omother!wife!
AUFIDIUS.(Aside)Iamgladthouhastsetthymercyand
thyhonour
Atdifferenceinthee:outofthatI’llwork
Myselfaformerfortune.
CORIOLANUS.Ay,byandby;
Butwewilldrinktogether;andyoushallbear
Abetterwitnessbackthanwords,whichwe,
Onlikeconditions,wouldhavecounter-seal’d.
Come,enterwithus.Ladies,youdeserve
Tohaveatemplebuiltyou:alltheswords
InItaly,andherconfederatearms,
Couldnothavemadethispeace.Exeunt
SCENEFOUR
Rome.APublicPlace.
EnterMeneniusandSicinius
MENENIUS.Seeyouyondcoigno’theCapitol,yondcornerstone?
SICINIUS.Why,whatofthat?
MENENIUS.Ifitbepossibleforyoutodisplaceitwithyour
littlefinger,thereissomehopetheladiesofRome,especiallyhismother,mayprevailwithhim.ButIsay,there
isnohopein’t.Ourthroatsaresentencedandstayupon
execution.
SICINIUS.Is’tpossiblethatsoshortatimecanalterthe
conditionofaman?
MENENIUS.Thereisdifferencybetweenagrubandabut-
terfly;yetyourbutterflywasagrub.ThisMarciusis
grownfrommantodragon:hehaswings;he’smore
thanacreepingthing.
SICINIUS.Helovedhismotherdearly.
MENENIUS.Sodidheme;andhenomoreremembershis
mothernowthananeight-year-oldhorse.Thetartness
ofhisfacesoursripegrapes:whenhewalks,hemoves
likeanengine,andthegroundshrinksbeforehistreading:heisabletopierceacorsletwithhiseye;talkslike
aknell,andhishumisabattery.Hesitsinhisstate,as
athingmadeforAlexander.Whathebidsbedoneis
finishedwithhisbidding.Hewantsnothingofagod
buteternityandaheaventothronein.
SICINIUS.Yes,mercy,ifyoureporthimtruly.
MENENIUS.Ipainthiminthecharacter.Markwhatmercy
hismothershallbringfromhim:thereisnomoremercy
inhimthanthereismilkinamaletiger;thatshallour
poorcityfind:andallthisis’longofyou.
SICINIUS.Thegodsbegooduntous!
MENENIUS.No,insuchacasethegodswillnotbegood
untous.Whenwebanishedhim,werespectednot
them;and,hereturningtobreakournecks,theyrespect
notus.
EnteraMessenger
MESSENGER.Sir,ifyou’dsaveyourlife,flytoyourhouse:
Theplebeianshavegotyourfellow-tribune,
Andhalehimupanddown;allswearing,if
TheRomanladiesbringnotcomforthome,
They’llgivehimdeathbyinches.
EnterasecondMessenger
SICINIUS.What’sthenews?
SECONDMESSENGER.Goodnews,goodnews!theladies
haveprevail’d,
TheVolsciansaredislodg’d,andMarciusgone.
AmerrierdaydidneveryetgreetRome,
No,nottheexpulsionoftheTarquins.
SICINIUS.Friend,
Artthoucertainthisistrue?isitmostcertain?
SECONDMESSENGER.AscertainasIknowthesunisfire:
Wherehaveyoulurk’dthatyoumakedoubtofit?
Ne’erthroughanarchsohurriedtheblowntide,
Astherecomfortedthroughthegates.Why,harkyou!
Trumpetsandhautboyssounded,
anddrumsbeaten,alltogether.Shoutingalsowithin
Thetrumpets,sackbuts,psalteries,andfifes,
Tabors’,andcymbals,andtheshoutingRomans,
Makethesundance.Harkyou!Ashoutwithin
MENENIUS.Thisisgoodnews:
Iwillgomeettheladies.ThisVolumnia
Isworthofconsuls,senators,patricians,
Acityfull;oftribunes,suchasyou,
Aseaandlandfull.Youhavepray’dwellto-day:
Thismorningfortenthousandofyourthroats
I’dnothavegivenadoit.Hark,howtheyjoy!
Musicstillandshouts
SICINIUS.First,thegodsblessyouforyourtidings;next,
Acceptmythankfulness.
SECONDMESSENGER.Sir,wehaveall
Greatcausetogivegreatthanks.
SICINIUS.Theyarenearthecity?
SECONDMESSENGER.Almostatpointtoenter.
SICINIUS.Wewillmeetthem,
Andhelpthejoy.Going
SCENEFIVE
Rome.AStreetNeartheGate.
EntertheLadies,accompaniedbySenators,Patricians,
andPeople.Theypassoverthestage
FIRSTSENATOR.Beholdourpatroness,thelifeofRome!
Callallyourtribestogether,praisethegods,
Andmaketriumphantfires:strewflowersbeforethem:
Unshoutthenoisethatbanish’dMarcius;
Repealhimwiththewelcomeofhismother;
Cry,‘Welcome,ladies,welcome!’
ALL.Welcomeladies,
Welcome!Aflourishwithdrumsandtrumpets.Exeunt
SCENESIX
Corioli.APublicPlace.
EnterAufidius,withAttendants
AUFIDIUS.Gotellthelordso’thecityIamhere:
Deliverthemthispaper:havingreadit,
Bidthemrepairtothemarket-place;whereI,
Evenintheirsandinthecommons’ears,
Willvouchthetruthofit.HimIaccuse
Thecityportsbythishathenter ’d,and
Intendstoappearbeforethepeople,hoping
Topurgehimselfwithwords:dispatch.
ExeuntAttendants
EnterthreeorfourConspiratorsofAufidius’faction
Mostwelcome!
FIRSTCONSPIRATOR.Howisitwithourgeneral?
AUFIDIUS.Evenso
Aswithamanbyhisownalmsempoison’d,
Andwithhischarityslain.
SECONDCONSPIRATOR.Mostnoblesir,
Ifyoudoholdthesameintentwherein
Youwish’dusparties,we’lldeliveryou
Ofyourgreatdanger.
AUFIDIUS.Sir,Icannottell:
Wemustproceedaswedofindthepeople.
THIRDCONSPIRATOR.Thepeoplewillremainuncertain
whilst
’Twixtyouthere’sdifference;butthefallofeither
Makesthesurvivorheirofall.
AUFIDIUS.Iknowit;
Andmypretexttostrikeathimadmits
Agoodconstruction.Irais’dhim,andIpawn’d
Minehonourforhistruth:whobeingsoheighten’d,
Hewater ’dhisnewplantswithdewsofflattery,
Seducingsomyfriends;and,tothisend,
Hebow’dhisnature,neverknownbefore
Buttoberough,unswayable,andfree.
THIRDCONSPIRATOR.Sir,hisstoutness
Whenhedidstandforconsul,whichhelost
Bylackofstooping,—
AUFIDIUS.ThatIwouldhavespokeof:
Beingbanish’dfor’t,hecameuntomyhearth;
Presentedtomyknifehisthroat:Itookhim;
Madehimjoint-servantwithme;gavehimway
Inallhisowndesires;nay,lethimchoose
Outofmyfiles,hisprojectstoaccomplish,
Mybestandfreshestmen;serv’dhisdesignments
Inmineownperson;holptoreapthefame
Whichhedidendallhis;andtooksomepride
Todomyselfthiswrong:till,atthelast,
Iseem’dhisfollower,notpartner;and
Hewag’dmewithhiscountenance,asif
Ihadbeenmercenary.
FIRSTCONSPIRATOR.Sohedid,mylord:
Thearmymarvell’datit;and,inthelast,
WhenwehadcarriedRome,andthatwelook’d
Fornolessspoilthanglory,—
AUFIDIUS.Therewasit;
Forwhichmysinewsshallbestretch’duponhim.
Atafewdropsofwomen’srheum,whichare
Ascheapaslies,hesoldthebloodandlabour
Ofourgreataction:thereforeshallhedie,
AndI’llrenewmeinhisfall.But,hark!
Drumsandtrumpets
sound,withgreatshoutsofthePeople
FIRSTCONSPIRATOR.Yournativetownyouenter ’dlikea
post,
Andhadnowelcomeshome;buthereturns,
Splittingtheairwithnoise.
SECONDCONSPIRATOR.Andpatientfools,
Whosechildrenhehathslain,theirbasethroatstear
Withgivinghimglory.
THIRDCONSPIRATOR.Therefore,atyourvantage,
Ereheexpresshimself,ormovethepeople
Withwhathewouldsay,lethimfeelyoursword,
Whichwewillsecond.Whenheliesalong,
Afteryourwayhistalepronounc’dshallbury
Hisreasonswithhisbody.
AUFIDIUS.Saynomore:
Herecomethelords.
EntertheLordsofthecity
LORDS.Youaremostwelcomehome.
AUFIDIUS.Ihavenotdeserv’dit.
But,worthylords,haveyouwithheedperus’d
WhatIhavewrittentoyou?
LORDS.Wehave.
FIRSTLORD.Andgrievetohear’t.
Whatfaultshemadebeforethelast,Ithink
Mighthavefoundeasyfines;buttheretoend
Wherehewastobegin,andgiveaway
Thebenefitofourlevies,answeringus
Withourowncharge,makingatreatywhere
Therewasayielding,thisadmitsnoexcuse.
AUFIDIUS.Heapproaches:youshallhearhim.
EnterCoriolanus,withdrumsandcolours;
acrowdofCitizenswithhim
CORIOLANUS.Hail,lords!Iamreturn’dyoursoldier;
Nomoreinfectedwithmycountry’slove
ThanwhenIpartedhence,butstillsubsisting
Underyourgreatcommand.Youaretoknow,
ThatprosperouslyIhaveattemptedand
Withbloodypassageledyourwarsevento
ThegatesofRome.Ourspoilswehavebroughthome
Domorethancounterpoiseafullthirdpart
Thechargesoftheaction.Wehavemadepeace
WithnolesshonourtotheAntiates
ThanshametotheRomans;andweheredeliver,
Subscrib’dbytheconsulsandpatricians,
Togetherwiththesealo’thesenate,what
Wehavecompoundedon.
AUFIDIUS.Readitnot,noblelords;
Buttellthetraitorinthehighestdegree
Hehathabus’dyourpowers.
CORIOLANUS.Traitor!Hownow?
AUFIDIUS.Ay,traitor,Marcius.
CORIOLANUS.Marcius!
AUFIDIUS.Ay,Marcius,CaiusMarcius.Dostthouthink
I’llgracetheewiththatrobbery,thystol’nname
CoriolanusinCorioli?
Youlordsandheadsofthestate,perfidiously
Hehasbetray’dyourbusiness,andgivenup,
Forcertaindropsofsalt,yourcityRome,
Isay‘yourcity,’tohiswifeandmother;
Breakinghisoathandresolutionlike
Atwistofrottensilk,neveradmitting
Counselo’thewar,butathisnurse’stears
Hewhin’dandroar ’dawayyourvictory,
Thatpagesblush’dathim,andmenofheart
Look’dwonderingeachatother.
CORIOLANUS.Hear ’stthou,Mars?
AUFIDIUS.Namenotthegod,thouboyoftears.
CORIOLANUS.Ha!
AUFIDIUS.Nomore.
CORIOLANUS.Measurelessliar,thouhastmademyheart
Toogreatforwhatcontainsit.Boy!Oslave!
Pardonme,lords,’tisthefirsttimethatever
Iwasforc’dtoscold.Yourjudgments,mygravelords,
Mustgivethiscurthelie:andhisownnotion—
Whowearsmystripesimpress’duponhim,that
Mustbearmybeatingtohisgrave—shalljoin
Tothrustthelieuntohim.
FIRSTLORD.Peace,both,andhearmyspeak.
CORIOLANUS.Cutmetopieces,Volsces;menandlads,
Stainallyouredgesonme.Boy!Falsehound!
Ifyouhavewrityourannalstrue,’tisthere,
That,likeaneagleinadove-cote,I
Flutter ’dyourVolsciansinCorioli:
AloneIdidit.Boy!
AUFIDIUS.Why,noblelords,
Willyoubeputinmindofhisblindfortune,
Whichwasyourshame,bythisunholybraggart,
’Foreyourowneyesandears?
CONSPIRATORS.Lethimdiefor’t.
ALLTHEPEOPLE.Tearhimtopieces.—Doitpresently.—
Hekilledmyson.—Mydaughter.—Hekilledmycousin
Marcus.—Hekilledmyfather.
SECONDLORD.Peace,ho!nooutrage!peace!
Themanisnobleandhisfamefoldsin
Thisorbo’theearth.Hislastoffencestous
Shallhavejudicioushearing.Stand,Aufidius,
Andtroublenotthepeace.
CORIOLANUS.O!thatIhadhim,
WithsixAufidiuses,ormore,histribe,
Tousemylawfulsword!
AUFIDIUS.Insolentvillain!
CONSPIRATORS.Kill,kill,kill,kill,killhim!
TheConspiratorsdraw,andkill
Coriolanus,whofalls:Aufidiusstandsonhisbody
LORDS.Hold,hold,hold,hold!
AUFIDIUS.Mynoblemasters,hearmespeak.
FIRSTLORD.OTullus!
SECONDLORD.Thouhastdoneadeedwhereatvalourwill
weep.
THIRDLORD.Treadnotuponhim.Mastersall,bequiet.
Putupyourswords.
AUFIDIUS.Mylords,whenyoushallknow,—asinthisrage,
Provok’dbyhim,youcannot,—thegreatdanger
Whichthisman’slifedidoweyou,you’llrejoice
Thatheisthuscutoff.Pleaseityourhonours
Tocallmetoyoursenate,I’lldeliver.
Myselfyourloyalservant,orendure
Yourheaviestcensure.
FIRSTLORD.Bearfromhencehisbody;
Andmournyouforhim!Lethimberegarded
Asthemostnoblecorsethateverherald
Didfollowtohisurn.
SECONDLORD.Hisownimpatience
TakesfromAufidiusagreatpartofblame.
Let’smakethebestofit.
AUFIDIUS.Myrageisgone,
AndIamstruckwithsorrow.Takehimup:
Help,threeo’thechiefestsoldiers;I’llbeone.
Beatthouthedrum,thatitspeakmournfully;
Trailyoursteelpikes.Thoughinthiscityhe
Hathwidow’dandunchildedmanyaone,
Whichtothishourbewailtheinjury,
Yetheshallhaveanoblememory.
Assist.Exeunt,bearingthebody
ofCoriolanus.Adeadmarchsounded
TITUSANDRONICUS
CASTOFCHARACTERS
SATURNINUS,SontothelateEmperorofRome,and
afterwardsdeclaredEmperor
BASSIANUS,BrothertoSaturninus,inlovewith
Lavinia
T ITUSANDRONICUS,aRoman,Generalagainstthe
Goths
MARCUSANDRONICUS,TribuneofthePeople,and
brothertoTitus
LUCIUS
QUINTUS
SonstoTitusAndronicus
MARTIUS
MUTIUS
YOUNGLUCIUS,aBoy,SontoLucius
PUBLIUS,SontoMarcusAndronicus
SEMPRONIUS
CAIUS
KinsmentoTitus
VALENTINE
ÆMILIUS,anobleRoman
ALARBUS
DEMETRIUS SonstoTamora
CHIRON
AARON ,aMoor,belovedbyTamora
ACaptain,Tribune,Messenger,andClown;Romans
GothsandRomans
T AMORA,QueenoftheGoths
LAVINIA,DaughtertoTitusAndronicus
ANurse,andablackChild
Senators,Tribunes,Officers,Soldiers,andAttendants
SCENE
Rome,andtheCountrynearit
ACTONE
SCENEONE
Rome.
TheTomboftheAndroniciappearing.TheTribunesand
Senatorsaloft;andthenenterSaturninusandhisFollowers
atonedoor,andBassianusandhisFollowers
attheother,withdrumandcolours
SATURNINUS.Noblepatricians,patronsofmyright,
Defendthejusticeofmycausewitharms;
And,countrymen,mylovingfollowers,
Pleadmysuccessivetitlewithyourswords:
Iamhisfirst-bornsonthatwasthelast
ThatworetheimperialdiademofRome;
Thenletmyfather ’shonoursliveinme,
Norwrongmineagewiththisindignity.
BASSIANUS.Romans,friends,followers,favourersofmy
right,
IfeverBassianus,Cæsar ’sson,
WeregraciousintheeyesofroyalRome,
KeepthenthispassagetotheCapitol,
Andsuffernotdishonourtoapproach
Theimperialseat,tovirtueconsecrate,
Tojustice,continence,andnobility;
Butletdesertinpureelectionshine,
And,Romans,fightforfreedominyourchoice.
EnterMarcusAndronicus,aloft,withthecrown
MARCUS.Princes,thatstrivebyfactionsandbyfriends
Ambitiouslyforruleandempery,
KnowthatthepeopleofRome,forwhomwestand
Aspecialparty,have,bycommonvoice,
InelectionfortheRomanempery,
ChosenAndronicus,surnamedPius,
FormanygoodandgreatdesertstoRome:
Anoblerman,abraverwarrior,
Livesnotthisdaywithinthecitywalls:
Hebythesenateisaccitedhome
FromwearywarsagainstthebarbarousGoths;
That,withhissons,aterrortoourfoes,
Hathyok’danationstrong,train’dupinarms.
Tenyearsarespentsincefirstheundertook
ThiscauseofRome,andchastisedwitharms
Ourenemies’pride:fivetimeshehathreturn’d
BleedingtoRome,bearinghisvaliantsons
Incoffinsfromthefield;
Andnowatlast,ladenwithhonour ’sspoils,
ReturnsthegoodAndronicustoRome,
RenownedTitus,flourishinginarms.
Letusentreat,byhonourofhisname,
Whomworthilyyouwouldhavenowsucceed,
AndintheCapitolandsenate’sright,
Whomyoupretendtohonourandadore
Thatyouwithdrawyouandabateyourstrength;
Dismissyourfollowers,and,assuitorsshould,
Pleadyourdesertsinpeaceandhumbleness.
SATURNINUS.Howfairthetribunespeakstocalmmy
thoughts!
BASSIANUS.MarcusAndronicus,soIdoaffy
Inthyuprightnessandintegrity,
AndsoIloveandhonourtheeandthine,
ThynoblebrotherTitusandhissons,
Andhertowhommythoughtsarehumbledall,
GraciousLavinia,Rome’srichornament,
ThatIwillheredismissmylovingfriends,
Andtomyfortunesandthepeople’sfavour
Commitmycauseinbalancetobeweigh’d.
ExeunttheFollowersofBassianus
SATURNINUS.Friends,thathavebeenthusforwardinmy
right,
Ithankyouallandheredismissyouall;
Andtotheloveandfavourofmycountry
Commitmyself,myperson,andthecause.
ExeunttheFollowersofSaturninus
Rome,beasjustandgraciousuntome
AsIamconfidentandkindtothee.
Openthegates,andletmein.
BASSIANUS.Tribunes,andme,apoorcompetitor.
Flourish.TheygoupintotheSenate-house
EnteraCaptain
CAPTAIN .Romans,makeway!thegoodAndronicus,
Patronofvirtue,Rome’sbestchampion,
Successfulinthebattlesthathefights,
Withhonourandwithfortuneisreturn’d
Fromwherehecircumscribedwithhissword,
Andbroughttoyoke,theenemiesofRome.
Drumsandtrumpetssounded,andthenenter
MartiusandMutius;afterthemtwomenbearingacoffin
coveredwithblack;thenLuciusandQuintus.Afterthem
TitusAndronicus;andthenTamora,withAlarbus,Chiron,
Demetrius,Aaron,andotherGoths,prisoners;Soldiersand
Peoplefollowing.Thebearerssetdownthecoffin,
andTitusspeaks
TITUS.Hail,Rome,victoriousinthymourningweeds!
Lo!asthebark,thathathdischarg’dherfraught,
Returnswithpreciousladingtothebay
Fromwhenceatfirstsheweigh’dheranchorage,
ComethAndronicus,boundwithlaurelboughs,
Tore-salutehiscountrywithhistears,
TearsoftruejoyforhisreturntoRome.
ThougreatdefenderofthisCapitol,
Standgracioustotheritesthatweintend!
Romans,offive-and-twentyvaliantsons,
HalfofthenumberthatKingPriamhad,
Beholdthepoorremains,alive,anddead!
ThesethatsurviveletRomerewardwithlove;
ThesethatIbringuntotheirlatesthome,
Withburialamongtheirancestors:
HereGothshavegivenmeleavetosheathemysword.
Titus,unkindandcarelessofthineown,
Whysuffer ’stthouthysons,unburiedyet
TohoveronthedreadfulshoreofStyx?
Makewaytolaythembytheirbrethren.
Thetombisopened
Theregreetinsilence,asthedeadarewont,
Andsleepinpeace,slaininyourcountry’swars!
Osacredreceptacleofmyjoys,
Sweetcellofvirtueandnobility,
Howmanysonsofminehastthouinstore,
Thatthouwiltneverrendertomemore!
LUCIUS.GiveustheproudestprisoneroftheGoths,
Thatwemayhewhislimbs,andonapile
‘Admanesfratrum’sacrificehisflesh,
Beforethisearthlyprisonoftheirbones;
Thatsotheshadowsbenotunappeas’d,
Norwedisturb’dwithprodigiesonearth.
TITUS.Igivehimyou,thenoblestthatsurvives
Theeldestsonofthisdistressedqueen.
TAMORA.Stay,Romanbrethren!Graciousconqueror,
VictoriousTitus,ruethetearsIshed,
Amother ’stearsinpassionforherson:
Andifthysonswereeverdeartothee,
O!thinkmysontobeasdeartome.
SufficethnotthatwearebroughttoRome,
Tobeautifythytriumphsandreturn,
CaptivetotheeandtothyRomanyoke;
Butmustmysonsbeslaughter ’dinthestreets
Forvaliantdoingsintheircountry’scause?
O!iftofightforkingandcommonweal
Werepietyinthine,itisinthese.
Andronicus,stainnotthytombwithblood:
Wiltthoudrawnearthenatureofthegods?
Drawnearthemtheninbeingmerciful;
Sweetmercyisnobility’struebadge:
Thrice-nobleTitus,sparemyfirst-bornson.
TITUS.Patientyourself,madam,andpardonme.
Thesearetheirbrethren,whomyourGothsbeheld
Aliveanddead,andfortheirbrethrenslain
Religiouslytheyaskasacrifice:
Tothisyoursonismark’d,anddiehemust,
Toappeasetheirgroaningshadowsthataregone.
LUCIUS.Awaywithhim!andmakeafirestraight;
Andwithourswords,uponapileofwood,
Let’shewhislimbstilltheybecleanconsum’d.
ExeuntLucius,
Quintus,Martius,andMutius,withAlarbus
TAMORA.Ocruel,irreligiouspiety!
CHIRON .WaseveryScythiahalfsobarbarous?
DEMETRIUS.OpposenotScythiatoambitiousRome.
Alarbusgoestorest,andwesurvive
TotrembleunderTitus’threateninglook.
Then,madam,standresolv’d;buthopewithal
Theself-samegods,thatarm’dtheQueenofTroy
Withopportunityofsharprevenge
UpontheThraciantyrantinhistent,
MayfavourTamora,theQueenofGoths—
WhenGothswereGoths,andTamorawasqueen—
Toquitthebloodywrongsuponherfoes.
Re-enterLucius,Quintus,Martius,andMutius
withtheirswordsbloody
LUCIUS.See,lordandfather,howwehaveperform’d
OurRomanrites.Alarbus’limbsarelopp’d,
Andentrailsfeedthesacrificingfire,
Whosesmoke,likeincense,dothperfumethesky.
Remainethnoughtbuttointerourbrethren,
Andwithloud’larumswelcomethemtoRome.
TITUS.Letitbeso;andletAndronicus
Makethishislatestfarewelltotheirsouls.
Trumpetssounded,andthecoffinlaidinthetomb
Inpeaceandhonourrestyouhere,mysons;
Rome’sreadiestchampions,reposeyouhereinrest,
Securefromworldlychancesandmishaps!
Herelurksnotreason,herenoenvyswells,
Heregrownodamneddrugs,herearenostorms,
Nonoise,butsilenceandeternalsleep:
Inpeaceandhonourrestyouhere,mysons!
EnterLavinia
LAVINIA.InpeaceandhonourliveLordTituslong;
Mynoblelordandfather,liveinfame!
Lo!atthistombmytributarytears
Irenderformybrethren’sobsequies;
AndatthyfeetIkneel,withtearsofjoy
ShedontheearthforthyreturntoRome.
O!blessmeherewiththyvictorioushand,
WhosefortunesRome’sbestcitizensapplaud.
TITUS.KindRome,thathastthuslovinglyreserv’d
Thecordialofmineagetogladmyheart!
Lavinia,live;outlivethyfather ’sdays,
Andfame’seternaldate,forvirtue’spraise!
EnterMarcusAndronicusandTribunes;re-enter
Saturninus,Bassianus,andOthers
MARCUS.LongliveLordTitus,mybelovedbrother,
GracioustriumpherintheeyesofRome!
TITUS.Thanks,gentletribune,noblebrotherMarcus.
MARCUS.Andwelcome,nephews,fromsuccessfulwars,
Youthatsurvive,andyouthatsleepinfame!
Fairlords,yourfortunesarealikeinall,
Thatinyourcountry’sservicedrewyourswords;
Butsafertriumphisthisfuneralpomp,
Thathathaspir ’dtoSolon’shappiness,
Andtriumphsoverchanceinhonour ’sbed.
TitusAndronicus,thepeopleofRome,
Whosefriendinjusticethouhasteverbeen,
Sendtheebyme,theirtribuneandtheirtrust,
Thispalliamentofwhiteandspotlesshue;
Andnametheeinelectionfortheempire,
Withtheseourlate-deceasedemperor ’ssons:
Becandidatusthen,andputiton,
AndhelptosetaheadonheadlessRome.
TITUS.Abetterheadhergloriousbodyfits
Thanhisthatshakesforageandfeebleness.
WhatshouldIdonthisrobe,andtroubleyou?
Bechosenwithproclamationsto-day,
To-morrowyielduprule,resignmylife,
Andsetabroadnewbusinessforyouall?
Rome,Ihavebeenthysoldierfortyyears,
Andledmycountry’sstrengthsuccessfully,
Andburiedone-and-twentyvaliantsons,
Knightedinfield,slainmanfullyinarms,
Inrightandserviceoftheirnoblecountry.
Givemeastaffofhonourformineage,
Butnotasceptretocontroltheworld:
Uprightheheldit,lords,thathelditlast.
MARCUS.Titus,thoushaltobtainandasktheempery.
SATURNINUS.Proudandambitioustribune,canstthoutell?
TITUS.Patience,PrinceSaturninus.
SATURNINUSRomans,domeright.
Patricians,drawyourswords,andsheathethemnot
TillSaturninusbeRome’semperor.
Andronicus,wouldthouwertshipp’dtohell,
Ratherthanrobmeofthepeople’shearts!
LUCIUS.ProudSaturnine,interrupterofthegood
Thatnoble-mindedTitusmeanstothee!
TITUS.Contentthee,prince;Iwillrestoretothee
Thepeople’shearts,andweanthemfromthemselves.
BASSIANUS.Andronicus,Idonotflatterthee,
Buthonourthee,andwilldotillIdie:
Myfactionifthoustrengthenwiththyfriends,
Iwillmostthankfulbe;andthankstomen
Ofnoblemindsishonourablemeed.
TITUS.PeopleofRome,andpeople’stribuneshere,
Iaskyourvoicesandyoursuffrages:
WillyoubestowthemfriendlyonAndronicus?
TRIBUNES.TogratifythegoodAndronicus,
AndgratulatehissafereturntoRome,
Thepeoplewillacceptwhomheadmits.
TITUS.Tribunes,Ithankyou;andthissuitImake,
Thatyoucreateyouremperor ’seldestson,
LordSaturnine;whosevirtueswill,Ihope,
ReflectonRomeasTitan’sraysonearth,
Andripenjusticeinthiscommonweal:
Then,ifyouwillelectbymyadvice,
Crownhim,andsay,‘Longliveouremperor!’
MARCUS.Withvoicesandapplauseofeverysort,
Patriciansandplebeians,wecreate
LordSaturninusRome’sgreatemperor,
Andsay,‘LongliveourEmperorSaturnine!’
Alongflourish
SATURNINUS.TitusAndronicus,forthyfavoursdone
Tousinourelectionthisday,
Igivetheethanksinpartofthydeserts,
Andwillwithdeedsrequitethygentleness:
And,foranonset,Titus,toadvance
Thynameandhonourablefamily
LaviniawillImakemyempress,
Rome’sroyalmistress,mistressofmyheart,
AndinthesacredPantheonherespouse.
Tellme,Andronicus,doththismotionpleasethee?
TITUS.Itdoth,myworthylord;andinthismatch
Iholdmehighlyhonour ’dofyourGrace:
AndhereinsightofRometoSaturnine,
Kingandcommanderofourcommonweal,
Thewideworld’semperor,doIconsecrate
Mysword,mychariot,andmyprisoners;
PresentswellworthyRome’simperiouslord:
Receivethemthen,thetributethatIowe,
Minehonour ’sensignshumbledatthyfeet.
SATURNINUS.Thanks,nobleTitus,fatherofmylife!
HowproudIamoftheeandofthygifts
Romeshallrecord,and,whenIdoforget
Theleastoftheseunspeakabledeserts,
Romans,forgetyourfealtytome.
TITUS.(ToTamora)Now,madam,areyouprisonertoan
emperor;
Tohimthat,foryourhonourandyourstate,
Willuseyounoblyandyourfollowers.
SATURNINUS.Agoodlylady,trustme;ofthehue
ThatIwouldchoose,wereItochooseanew.
Clearup,fairqueen,thatcloudycountenance:
Thoughchanceofwarhathwroughtthischangeof
cheer,
Thoucom’stnottobemadeascorninRome:
Princelyshallbethyusageeveryway.
Restonmyword,andletnotdiscontent
Dauntallyourhopes:madam,hecomfortsyou
CanmakeyougreaterthantheQueenofGoths.
Lavinia,youarenotdispleas’dwiththis?
LAVINIA.NotI,mylord;sithtruenobility
Warrantsthesewordsinprincelycourtesy.
SATURNINUS.Thanks,sweetLavinia,Romans,letusgo;
Ransomlessherewesetourprisonersfree:
Proclaimourhonours,lords,withtrumpanddrum.
Flourish.SaturninuscourtsTamoraindumbshow
BASSIANUS.LordTitus,byyourleave,thismaidismine.
SeizingLavinia
TITUS.How,sir!Areyouinearnestthen,mylord?
BASSIANUS.Ay,nobleTitus;andresolv’dwithal
Todomyselfthisreasonandthisright.
MARCUS.‘Suumcuique’isourRomanjustice:
Thisprinceinjusticeseizethbuthisown.
LUCIUS.Andthathewill,andshall,ifLuciuslive.
TITUS.Traitors,avaunt!Whereistheemperor ’sguard?
Treason,mylord!Laviniaissurpris’d.
SATURNINUS.Surpris’d!Bywhom?
BASSIANUS.Byhimthatjustlymay
Bearhisbetroth’dfromalltheworldaway.
ExeuntMarcusandBassianuswithLavinia
MUTIUS.Brothers,helptoconveyherhenceaway,
AndwithmyswordI’llkeepthisdoorsafe.
ExeuntLucius,Quintus,andMartius
TITUS.Follow,mylord,andI’llsoonbringherback.
MUTIUS.Mylord,youpassnothere.
TITUS.What!villainboy;
Barr ’stmemywayinRome?StabsMutius
MUTIUS.Help,Lucius,help!Dies
Re-enterLucius
LUCIUS.Mylord,youareunjust;and,morethanso,
Inwrongfulquarrelyouhaveslainyourson.
TITUS.Northou,norhe,areanysonsofmine;
Mysonswouldneversodishonourme.
Traitor,restoreLaviniatotheemperor.
LUCIUS.Dead,ifyouwill;butnottobehiswife
Thatisanother ’slawfulpromis’dlove.Exit
SATURNINUS.No,Titus,no;theemperorneedshernot,
Norher,northee,noranyofthystock:
I’lltrust,byleisure,himthatmocksmeonce;
Theenever,northytraitoroushaughtysons,
Confederatesallthustodishonourme,
WasnoneinRometomakeastale
ButSaturnine?Fullwell,Andronicus,
Agreedthesedeedswiththatproudbragofthine,
ThatsaidstIbegg’dtheempireatthyhands.
TITUS.Omonstrous!whatreproachfulwordsarethese!
SATURNINUS.Butgothyways;go,givethatchangingpiece
Tohimthatflourish’dforherwithhissword.
Avaliantson-in-lawthoushaltenjoy;
Onefittobandywiththylawlesssons,
ToruffleinthecommonwealthofRome.
TITUS.Thesewordsarerazorstomywoundedheart.
SATURNINUS.Andtherefore,lovelyTamora,Queenof
Goths,
ThatlikethestatelyPhœbe’mongsthernymphs,
Dostovershinethegallant’stdamesofRome,
Ifthoubepleas’dwiththismysuddenchoice,
Behold,Ichoosethee,Tamora,formybride,
AndwillcreatetheeEmpressofRome.
Speak,QueenofGoths,dostthouapplaudmychoice?
AndhereIswearbyalltheRomangods,
Sithpriestandholywateraresonear,
Andtapersburnsobright,andeverything
InreadinessforHymenæusstand,
Iwillnotre-salutethestreetsofRome,
Orclimbmypalace,tillfromforththisplace
Ileadespous’dmybridealongwithme.
TAMORA.Andhereinsightofheaven,toRomeIswear,
IfSaturnineadvancetheQueenofGoths,
Shewillahandmaidbetohisdesires,
Alovingnurse,amothertohisyouth.
SATURNINUS.Ascend,fairqueen,Pantheon.Lords,accom-
pany
Yournobleemperor,andhislovelybride,
SentbytheheavensforPrinceSaturnine,
Whosewisdomhathherfortuneconquered:
Thereshallweconsummateourspousalrights.
ExeuntallbutTitus
TITUS.Iamnotbidtowaituponthisbride.
Titus,whenwertthouwonttowalkalone,
Dishonour ’dthus,andchallengedofwrongs?
Re-enterMarcus,Lucius,Quintus,andMartius
MARCUS.O!Titus,see,O!seewhatthouhastdone;
Inabadquarrelslainavirtuousson.
TITUS.No,foolishtribune,no;nosonofmine,
Northou,northese,confederatesinthedeed
Thathathdishonour ’dallourfamily:
Unworthybrother,andunworthysons!
LUCIUS.Butletusgivehimburial,asbecomes;
GiveMutiusburialwithourbrethren.
TITUS.Traitorsaway!herestsnotinthistomb.
Thismonumentfivehundredyearshathstood,
WhichIhavesumptuouslyre-edified:
HerenonebutsoldiersandRome’sservitors
Reposeinfame:nonebaselyslaininbrawls.
Buryhimwhereyoucan;hecomesnothere.
MARCUS.Mylord,thisisimpietyinyou.
MynephewMutius’deedsdopleadforhim;
Hemustbeburiedwithhisbrethren.
QUINTUS.
MARTIUS.
Andshall,orhimwewillaccompany.
TITUS.Andshall!Whatvillainwasitspakethatword?
QUINTUS.Hethatwouldvouchitinanyplacebuthere.
TITUS.What!wouldyouburyhiminmydespite?
MARCUS.No,nobleTitus;butentreatofthee
TopardonMutius,andtoburyhim.
TITUS.Marcus,eventhouhaststruckuponmycrest,
And,withtheseboys,minehonourthouhastwounded:
MyfoesIdoreputeyoueveryone;
So,troublemenomore,butgetyougone.
MARTIUS.Heisnotwithhimself;letuswithdraw.
QUINTUS.NotI,tillMutius’bonesbeburied.
MarcusandthesonsofTituskneel
MARCUS.Brother,forinthatnamedothnatureplead,—
QUINTUS.Father,andinthatnamedothnaturespeak,—
TITUS.Speakthounomore,ifalltherestwillspeed.
MARCUS.RenownedTitus,morethanhalfmysoul,—
LUCIUS.Dearfather,soulandsubstanceofusall,—
MARCUS.SufferthybrotherMarcustointer
Hisnoblenephewhereinvirtue’snest,
ThatdiedinhonourandLavinia’scause.
ThouartaRoman;benotbarbarous:
TheGreeksuponadvicedidburyAjax
Thatslewhimself;andwiseLaertes’son
Didgraciouslypleadforhisfunerals.
LetnotyoungMutiusthen,thatwasthyjoy,
Bebarr ’dhisentrancehere.
TITUS.Rise,Marcus,rise.
Theyrise
Thedismall’stdayisthisthate’erIsaw,
Tobedishonour ’dbymysonsinRome!
Well,buryhim,andburymethenext.
Mutiusisputintothetomb
LUCIUS.Thereliethybones,sweetMutius,withthy
friends,
Tillwewithtrophiesdoadornthytomb.
ALL.(Kneeling)NomanshedtearsfornobleMutius;
Helivesinfamethatdiedinvirtue’scause.
MARCUS.Mylord,—tostepoutofthesedrearydumps,—
HowcomesitthatthesubtleQueenofGoths
Isofasuddenthusadvanc’dinRome?
TITUS.Iknownot,Marcus;butIknowitis,
Whetherbydeviceorno,theheavenscantell.
Isshenot,then,beholdingtotheman
Thatbroughtherforthishighgoodturnsofar?
MARCUS.Yes,andwillnoblyhimremunerate.
Flourish.Re-enter,ononeside,Saturninus,attended;
Tamora,Demetrius,Chiron,andAaron:ontheotherside,
Bassianus,LaviniaandOthers
SATURNINUS.So,Bassianus,youhaveplay’dyourprize:
Godgiveyoujoy,sir,ofyourgallantbride.
BASSIANUS.Andyouofyours,mylord!Isaynomore,
Norwishnoless;andsoItakemyleave.
SATURNINUS.Traitor,ifRomehavelaworwehavepower,
Thouandthyfactionshallrepentthisrape.
BASSIANUS.Rapecallyouit,mylord,toseizemyown,
Mytrue-betrothedloveandnowmywife?
ButletthelawsofRomedetermineall;
Meanwhile,Iampossess’dofthatismine.
SATURNINUS.’Tisgood,sir:youareveryshortwithus;
But,ifwelive,we’llbeassharpwithyou.
BASSIANUS.Mylord,whatIhavedone,asbestImay,
AnswerImustandshalldowithmylife.
OnlythusmuchIgiveyourGracetoknow:
ByallthedutiesthatIowetoRome,
Thisnoblegentleman,LordTitushere,
Isinopinionandinhonourwrong’d;
That,intherescueofLavinia,
Withhisownhanddidslayhisyoungestson,
Inzealtoyouandhighlymov’dtowrath
Tobecontroll’dinthathefranklygave:
Receivehimthentofavour,Saturnine,
Thathathexpress’dhimselfinallhisdeeds
AfatherandafriendtotheeandRome.
TITUS.PrinceBassianus,leavetopleadmydeeds:
’Tisthouandthosethathavedishonour ’dme.
Romeandtherighteousheavensbemyjudge,
HowIhavelov’dandhonour ’dSaturnine!
TAMORA.Myworthylord,ifeverTamora
Weregraciousinthoseprincelyeyesofthine,
Thenhearmespeakindifferentlyforall;
Andatmysuit,sweet,pardonwhatispast.
SATURNINUS.What,madam!bedishonour ’dopenly,
Andbaselyputitupwithoutrevenge?
TAMORA.Notso,mylord;thegodsofRomeforfend
Ishouldbeauthortodishonouryou!
ButonminehonourdareIundertake
ForgoodLordTitus’innocenceinall,
Whosefurynotdissembledspeakshisgriefs.
Then,atmysuit,lookgraciouslyonhim;
Losenotsonobleafriendonvainsuppose,
Norwithsourlooksafflicthisgentleheart.
(AsidetoSaturninus)Mylord,berul’dbyme,be
wonatlast;
Dissembleallyourgriefsanddiscontents:
Youarebutnewlyplantedinyourthrone;
Lestthen,thepeople,andpatricianstoo,
Uponajustsurvey,takeTitus’part,
Andsosupplantyouforingratitude,
WhichRomereputestobeaheinoussin,
Yieldatentreats,andthenletmealone.
I’llfindadaytomassacrethemall,
Andrazetheirfactionandtheirfamily,
Thecruelfather,andhistraitoroussons,
TowhomIsuedformydearson’slife;
Andmakethemknowwhat’tistoletaqueen
Kneelinthestreetsandbegforgraceinvain.
(Aloud)Come,come,sweetemperor;come,Andronicus;
Takeupthisgoodoldman,andcheertheheart
Thatdiesintempestofthyangryfrown.
SATURNINUS.Rise,Titus,rise;myempresshathprevail’d.
TITUS.Ithankyourmajesty,andher,mylord.
Thesewords,theselooks,infusenewlifeinme.
TAMORA.Titus,IamincorporateinRome,
ARomannowadoptedhappily,
Andmustadvisetheemperorforhisgood.
Thisdayallquarrelsdie,Andronicus;
Andletitbeminehonour,goodmylord,
ThatIhavereconcil’dyourfriendsandyou.
Foryou,PrinceBassianus,Ihavepass’d
Mywordandpromisetotheemperor,
Thatyouwillbemoremildandtractable.
Andfearnot,lords,andyou,Lavinia,
Bymyadvice,allhumbledonyourknees,
Youshallaskpardonofhismajesty.
LUCIUS.Wedo;andvowtoheavenandtohishighness,
Thatwhatwedidwasmildly,aswemight,
Tenderingoursister ’shonourandourown.
MARCUS.ThatonminehonourhereIdoprotest.
SATURNINUS.Away,andtalknot;troubleusnomore.
TAMORA.Nay,nay,sweetemperor,wemustallbefriends:
Thetribuneandhisnephewskneelforgrace;
Iwillnotbedenied:sweetheart,lookback.
SATURNINUS.Marcus,forthysake,andthybrother’shere,
AndatmylovelyTamora’sentreats,
Idoremittheseyoungmen’sheinousfaults:
Standup.
Lavinia,thoughyouleftmelikeachurl,
Ifoundafriend,andsureasdeathIswore
Iwouldnotpartabachelorfromthepriest.
Come;iftheemperor ’scourtcanfeasttwobrides,
Youaremyguest,Lavinia,andyourfriends.
Thisdayshallbealove-day,Tamora.
TITUS.To-morrow,anitpleaseyourmajesty
Tohuntthepantherandthehartwithme,
Withhornandhoundwe’llgiveyourGracebonjour.
SATURNINUS.Beitso,Titus,andgramercytoo
Trumpets.Exeunt
ACTTWO
SCENEONE
Rome.BeforethePalace.
EnterAaron
AARON .NowclimbethTamoraOlympus’top,
SafeoutofFortune’sshot;andsitsaloft,
Secureofthunder ’scrackorlightningflash,
Advanc’dabovepaleenvy’sthreateningreach.
Aswhenthegoldensunsalutesthemorn,
And,havinggilttheoceanwithhisbeams,
Gallopsthezodiacinhisglisteringcoach,
Andoverlooksthehighest-peeringhills;
SoTamora.
Uponherwitdothearthlyhonourwait
Andvirtuestoopsandtremblesatherfrown.
Then,Aaron,armthyheart,andfitthythoughts
Tomountaloftwiththyimperialmistress,
Andmountherpitch,whomthouintriumphlong
Hastprisonerheld,fetter ’dinamorouschains,
AndfasterboundtoAaron’scharmingeyes
ThanisPrometheustiedtoCaucasus.
Awaywithslavishweedsandservilethoughts!
Iwillbebright,andshineinpearlandgold,
Towaituponthisnew-madeempress.
Towait,saidI?towantonwiththisqueen,
Thisgoddess,thisSemiramis,thisnymph,
Thissiren,thatwillcharmRome’sSaturnine,
Andseehisshipwrackandhiscommonweal’s
Holla!whatstormisthis?
EnterDemetriusandChiron,braving
DEMETRIUS.Chiron,thyyearswantwit,thywitwantsedge
Andmanners,tointrudewhereIamgrac’d,
Andmay,foraughtthouknow’st,affectedbe.
CHIRON .Demetrius,thoudostover-weeninall
Andsointhis,tobearmedownwithbraves.
’Tisnotthedifferenceofayearortwo
Makesmelessgraciousortheemorefortunate:
Iamasableandasfitasthou
Toserve,andtodeservemymistress’grace;
Andthatmyswordupontheeshallapprove,
AndpleadmypassionsforLavinia’slove.
AARON .(Aside)Clubs,clubs!theseloverswillnotkeep
thepeace.
DEMETRIUS.Why,boy,althoughourmother,unadvis’d,
Gaveyouadancing-rapierbyyourside,
Areyousodesperategrown,tothreatyourfriends?
Goto;haveyourlathgluedwithinyoursheath
Tillyouknowbetterhowtohandleit.
CHIRON .Meanwhile,sir,withthelittleskillIhave,
FullwellshaltthouperceivehowmuchIdare.
DEMETRIUS.Ay,boy,growyesobrave?Theydraw
AARON .Why,hownow,lords!
Soneartheemperor ’spalacedareyoudraw,
Andmaintainsuchaquarrelopenly?
FullwellIwotthegroundofallthisgrudge:
Iwouldnotforamillionofgold
Thecausewereknowntothemitmostconcerns;
Norwouldyournoblemotherformuchmore
Besodishonour ’dinthecourtofRome.
Forshame,putup.
DEMETRIUS.NotI,tillIhavesheath’d
Myrapierinhisbosom,andwithal
Thrustthosereproachfulspeechesdownhisthroat
Thathehathbreath’dinmydishonourhere.
CHIRON .ForthatIamprepar ’dandfullresolv’d,
Foul-spokencoward,thatthunder ’stwiththytongue,
Andwiththyweaponnothingdar ’stperform!
AARON .Away,Isay!
Now,bythegodsthatwarlikeGothsadore,
Thispettybrabblewillundousall.
Why,lords,andthinkyounothowdangerous
Itistojetuponaprince’sright?
What!isLaviniathenbecomesoloose,
OrBassianussodegenerate,
Thatforherlovesuchquarrelsmaybebroach’d
Withoutcontrolment,justice,orrevenge?
Younglords,beware!anshouldtheempressknow
Thisdiscord’sground,themusicwouldnotplease.
CHIRON .Icarenot,I,knewsheandalltheworld:
IloveLaviniamorethanalltheworld.
DEMETRIUS.Youngling,learnthoutomakesomemeaner
choice:
Laviniaisthineelderbrother ’shope.
AARON .Why,areyemad?orknowyenotinRome
Howfuriousandimpatienttheybe,
Andcannotbrookcompetitorsinlove?
Itellyou,lords,youdobutplotyourdeaths
Bythisdevice.
CHIRON .Aaron,athousanddeaths
WouldIpropose,toachieveherwhomIlove.
AARON .Toachieveher!how?
DEMETRIUS.Whymak’stthouitsostrange?
Sheisawoman,thereforemaybewoo’d;
Sheisawoman,thereforemaybewon;
SheisLavinia,thereforemustbelov’d.
What,man!morewaterglidethbythemill
Thatwotsthemillerof;andeasyitis
Ofacutloaftostealashive,weknow:
ThoughBassianusbetheemperor ’sbrother,
BetterthanhehavewornVulcan’sbadge.
AARON .(Aside)Ay,andasgoodasSaturninusmay.
DEMETRIUS.Thenwhyshouldhedespairthatknowsto
courtit
Withwords,fairlooks,andliberality?
What!hastthounotfulloftenstruckadoe,
Andbornehercleanlybythekeeper ’snose?
AARON .Why,then,itseems,somecertainsnatchorso
Wouldserveyourturns.
CHIRON .Ay,sotheturnwereserv’d.
DEMETRIUS.Aaron,thouhasthitit.
AARON .Wouldyouhadhitittoo!
Thenshouldnotwebetir ’dwiththisado.
Why,harkye,harkye!andareyousuchfools
Tosquareforthis?Woulditoffendyouthen
Thatbothshouldspeed?
CHIRON .Faith,notme.
DEMETRIUS.Norme,soIwereone.
AARON .Forshame,befriends,andjoinforthatyoujar:
’Tispolicyandstratagemmustdo
Thatyouaffect;andsomustyouresolve,
Thatwhatyoucannotasyouwouldachieve,
Youmustperforceaccomplishasyoumay,
Takethisofme:Lucrecewasnotmorechaste
ThanthisLavinia,Bassianus’love.
Aspeediercoursethanlingeringlanguishment
Mustwepursue,andIhavefoundthepath.
Mylords,asolemnhuntingisinhand;
TherewillthelovelyRomanladiestroop:
Theforestwalksarewideandspacious,
Andmanyunfrequentedplotsthereare
Fittedbykindforrapeandvillany:
Singleyouthitherthenthisdaintydoe,
Andstrikeherhomebyforce,ifnotbywords:
Thisway,ornotatall,standyouinhope.
Come,come,ourempress,withhersacredwit
Tovillanyandvengeanceconsecrate,
Willweacquaintwithallthatweintend;
Andsheshallfileourengineswithadvice,
Thatwillnotsufferyoutosquareyourselves,
Buttoyourwishes’heightadvanceyouboth.
Theemperor ’scourtislikethehouseofFame,
Thepalacefulloftongues,ofeyes,andears:
Thewoodsareruthless,dreadful,deaf,anddull;
Therespeak,andstrike,braveboys,andtakeyourturns;
Thereserveyourlusts,shadow’dfromheaven’seye,
AndrevelinLavinia’streasury.
CHIRON .Thycounsel,lad,smellsofnocowardice.
DEMETRIUS.Sitfasautnefas,tillIfindthestream
Tocoolthisheat,acharmtocalmthesefits,
PerStyga,permanesvehor.Exeunt
SCENETWO
AForest.
Hornsandcryofhoundsheard.EnterTitusAndronicus,
withHunters,&c.;Marcus,Lucius,Quintus,
andMartius
TITUS.Thehuntisup,themornisbrightandgrey,
Thefieldsarefragrantandthewoodsaregreen.
Uncouplehereandletusmakeabay,
Andwaketheemperorandhislovelybride,
Androusetheprinceandringahunter ’speal,
Thatallthecourtmayechowiththenoise.
Sons,letitbeyourcharge,asitisours,
Toattendtheemperor ’spersoncarefully:
Ihavebeentroubledinmysleepthisnight,
Butdawningdaynewcomforthathinspir ’d.
Acryofhounds,andhornswindedinapeal
EnterSaturninus,Tamora,Bassianus,Lavinia,
Demetrius,Chiron,andAttendants
Manygood-morrowstoyourMajesty;
Madam,toyouasmanyandasgood;
IpromisedyourGraceahunter ’speal.
SATURNINUS.Andyouhaverungitlustily,mylord;
Somewhattooearlyfornew-marriedladies.
BASSIANUS.Lavinia,howsayyou?
LAVINIA.Isay,no;
Ihavebeenbroadawaketwohoursandmore.
SATURNINUS.Comeon,then;horseandchariotsletushave,
Andtooursport.—(ToTamora)Madam,nowshallye
see
OurRomanhunting.
MARCUS.Ihavedogs,mylord,
Willrousetheproudestpantherinthechase,
Andclimbthehighestpromontorytop.
TITUS.AndIhavehorsewillfollowwherethegame
Makesway,andrunlikeswallowso’ertheplain.
DEMETRIUS.(Aside)Chiron,wehuntnot,we,withhorse
norhound,
Buthopetopluckadaintydoetoground.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
AlonelyPartoftheForest.
EnterAaron,withabagofgold
AARON .HethathadwitwouldthinkthatIhadnone,
Toburysomuchgoldunderatree,
Andneveraftertoinheritit.
Lethimthatthinksofmesoabjectly
Knowthatthisgoldmustcoinastratagem,
Which,cunninglyeffected,willbeget
Averyexcellentpieceofvillany:
Andsorepose,sweetgold,fortheirunrest
Thathavetheiralmsoutoftheempress’chest.
Hidesthegold
EnterTamora
TAMORA.MylovelyAaron,whereforelook’stthousad,
Wheneverythingdothmakeagleefulboast?
Thebirdschantmelodyoneverybush,
Thesnakeliesrolledinthecheerfulsun,
Thegreenleavesquiverwiththecoolingwind,
Andmakeachequer ’dshadowontheground.
Undertheirsweetshade,Aaron,letussit,
And,whilstthebabblingechomocksthehounds,
Replyingshrillytothewell-tun’dhorns,
Asifadoublehuntwereheardatonce,
Letussitdownandmarktheiryelpingnoise;
Andafterconflict,suchaswassuppos’d
ThewanderingprinceandDidoonceenjoy’d,
Whenwithahappystormtheyweresurpris’d,
Andcurtain’dwithacounsel-keepingcave,
Wemay,eachwreathedintheother ’sarms,
Ourpastimesdone,possessagoldenslumber;
Whileshoundsandhornsandsweetmelodiousbirds
Beuntousasisanurse’ssong
Oflullabytobringherbabeasleep.
AARON .Madam,thoughVenusgovernyourdesires,
Saturnisdominatorovermine:
Whatsignifiesmydeadly-standingeye,
Mysilenceandmycloudymelancholy,
Myfleeceofwoollyhairthatnowuncurls
Evenasanadderwhenshedothunroll
Todosomefatalexecution?
No,madam,thesearenovenerealsigns:
Vengeanceisinmyheart,deathinmyhand,
Bloodandrevengearehammeringinmyhead.
Hark,Tamora,theempressofmysoul,
Whichneverhopesmoreheaventhanrestsinthee,
ThisisthedayofdoomforBassianus;
HisPhilomelmustlosehertongueto-day,
Thysonsmakepillageofherchastity,
AndwashtheirhandsinBassianus’blood.
Seestthouthisletter?takeitup,Ipraythee,
Andgivethekingthisfatal-plottedscroll.
Nowquestionmenomore;weareespied;
Herecomesaparcelofourhopefulbooty,
Whichdreadsnotyettheirlives’destruction.
TAMORA.Ah!mysweetMoor,sweetertomethanlife.
AARON .Nomore,greatempress;Bassianuscomes:
Becrosswithhim;andI’llgofetchthysons
Tobackthyquarrels,whatsoe’ertheybe.Exit
EnterBassianusandLavinia
BASSIANUS.Whohavewehere?Rome’sroyalempress,
Unfurnish’dofherwell-beseemingtroop?
OrisitDian,habitedlikeher,
Whohathabandonedherholygroves,
Toseethegeneralhuntinginthisforest?
TAMORA.Saucycontrollerofourprivatesteps!
HadIthepowerthatsomesayDianhad,
Thytemplesshouldbeplantedpresently
Withhorns,aswasActæon’s;andthehounds
Shoulddriveuponthynew-transformedlimbs,
Unmannerlyintruderasthouart!
LAVINIA.Underyourpatience,gentleempress,
’Tisthoughtyouhaveagoodlygiftinhorning;
AndtobedoubtedthatyourMoorandyou
Aresingledforthtotryexperiments.
Joveshieldyourhusbandfromhishoundsto-day!
’Tispitytheyshouldtakehimforastag.
BASSIANUS.Believeme,queen,yourswarthCimmerian
Dothmakeyourhonourofhisbody’shue,
Spotted,detested,andabominable.
Whyareyousequester ’dfromallyourtrain,
Dismountedfromyoursnow-whitegoodlysteed,
Andwander ’dhithertoanobscureplot,
AccompaniedbutwithabarbarousMoor,
Iffouldesirehadnotconductedyou?
LAVINIA.And,beinginterceptedinyoursport,
Greatreasonthatmynoblelordberated
Forsauciness.Iprayyou,letushence,
Andletherjoyherraven-colour ’dlove;
Thisvalleyfitsthepurposepassingwell.
BASSIANUS.Thekingmybrothershallhavenoteofthis.
LAVINIA.Ay,fortheseslipshavemadehimnotedlong:
Goodkingtobesomightilyabus’d!
TAMORA.WhyhaveIpatiencetoendureallthis?
EnterDemetriusandChiron
DEMETRIUS.Hownow,dearsovereign,andourgracious
mother!
WhydothyourHighnesslooksopaleandwan?
TAMORA.HaveInotreason,thinkyou,tolookpale?
Thesetwohave’tic’dmehithertothisplace:
Abarrendetestedvale,yousee,itis;
Thetrees,thoughsummer,yetforlornandlean,
O’ercomewithmossandbalefulmistletoe:
Herenevershinesthesun;herenothingbreeds,
Unlessthenightlyowlorfatalraven:
Andwhentheyshow’dmethisabhorredpit,
Theytoldme,here,atdeadtimeofthenight,
Athousandfiends,athousandhissingsnakes,
Tenthousandswellingtoads,asmanyurchins,
Wouldmakesuchfearfulandconfusedcries,
Asanymortalbodyhearingit
Shouldstraightfallmad,orelsediesuddenly.
Nosoonerhadtheytoldthishellishtale,
Butstraighttheytoldmetheywouldbindmehere
Untothebodyofadismalyew,
Andleavemetothismiserabledeath:
Andthentheycalledmefouladulteress,
LasciviousGoth,andallthebitterestterms
Thatevereardidheartosucheffect;
And,hadyounotbywondrousfortunecome,
Thisvengeanceonmehadtheyexecuted.
Revengeit,asyouloveyourmother’slife,
Orbeyenothenceforthcall’dmychildren.
DEMETRIUS.ThisisawitnessthatIamthyson.
StabsBassianus
CHIRON .Andthisforme,struckhometoshowmy
strength.AlsostabsBassianus,whodies
LAVINIA.Ay,come,Semiramis,nay,barbarousTamora;
Fornonamefitsthynaturebutthyown.
TAMORA.Givemethyponiard;youshallknow,myboys,
Yourmother ’shandshallrightyourmother ’swrong.
DEMETRIUS.Stay,madam;hereismorebelongstoher:
Firstthrashthecorn,thenafterburnthestraw.
Thisminionstooduponherchastity,
Uponhernuptialvow,herloyalty,
Andwiththatpaintedhopeshebravesyourmightiness:
Andshallshecarrythisuntohergrave?
CHIRON .Andifshedo,IwouldIwereaneunuch.
Draghenceherhusbandtosomesecrethole,
Andmakehisdeadtrunkpillowtoourlust.
TAMORA.Butwhenyehavethehoneyyedesire,
Letnotthiswaspoutlive,usbothtosting.
CHIRON .Iwarrantyou,madam,wewillmakethatsure.
Come,mistress,nowperforcewewillenjoy
Thatnice-preservedhonestyofyours.
LAVINIA.OTamora!thoubear ’stawoman’sface,—
TAMORA.Iwillnothearherspeak;awaywithher!
LAVINIA.Sweetlords,entreatherhearmebutaword.
DEMETRIUS.Listen,fairmadam:letitbeyourglory
Toseehertears;butbeyourhearttothem
Asunrelentingflinttodropsofrain.
LAVlNIA.Whendidthetiger ’syoungonesteachthedam?
O!donotlearnherwrath;shetaughtitthee;
Themilkthousuck’dstfromherdidturntomarble;
Evenatthyteatthouhadstthytyranny.
Yeteverymotherbreedsnotsonsalike:
(ToChiron)Dothouentreathershowawoman’spity.
CHIRON .What!wouldstthouhavemeprovemyselfa
bastard?
LAVINIA.’Tistrue!theravendothnothatchalark:
YethaveIheard,O!couldIfinditnow,
Thelionmovedwithpitydidendure
Tohavehisprincelypawspar ’dallaway.
Somesaythatravensfosterforlornchildren,
Thewhilsttheirownbirdsfamishintheirnests:
O!betome,thoughthyhardheartsayno,
Nothingsokind,butsomethingpitiful.
TAMORA.Iknownotwhatitmeans;awaywithher!
LAVINIA.O,letmeteachthee!formyfather ’ssake,
Thatgavetheelifewhenwellhemighthaveslainthee,
Benotobdurate,openthydeafears.
TAMORA.Hadstthouinpersonne’eroffendedme,
EvenforhissakeamIpitiless.
Remember,boys,Ipour ’dforthtearsinvain
Tosaveyourbrotherfromthesacrifice;
ButfierceAndronicuswouldnotrelent:
Therefore,awaywithher,anduseherasyouwill:
Theworsetoher,thebetterlov’dofme.
LAVINIA.OTamora!becall’dagentlequeen,
Andwiththineownhandskillmeinthisplace;
For’tisnotlifethatIhavebegg’dsolong;
PoorIwasslainwhenBassianusdied.
TAMORA.Whatbegg’stthouthen?fondwoman,letmego.
LAVINIA.’TispresentdeathIbeg;andonethingmore
Thatwomanhooddeniesmytonguetotell,
O!keepmefromtheirworsethankillinglust,
Andtumblemeintosomeloathsomepit,
Whereneverman’seyemaybeholdmybody:
Dothis,andbeacharitablemurderer.
TAMORA.SoshouldIrobmysweetsonsoftheirfee:
No,letthemsatisfytheirlustonthee.
DEMETRIUS.Away!forthouhaststay’dusheretoolong.
LAVINIA.Nograce!nowomanhood!Ah,beastlycreature,
Theblotandenemytoourgeneralname.
Confusionfall—
CHIRON .Nay,thenI’llstopyourmouth.Bringthouher
husband:
ThisistheholewhereAaronbidushidehim.
DemetriusthrowsthebodyofBassianusintothepit;
thenexeuntDemetriusandChiron,draggingoffLavinia
TAMORA.Farewell,mysons:seethatyoumakehersure.
Ne’erletmyheartknowmerrycheerindeed
TillalltheAndronicibemadeaway.
NowwillIhencetoseekmylovelyMoor,
Andletmyspleenfulsonsthistrulldeflower.Exit
EnterAaron,withQuintusandMartius
AARON .Comeon,mylords,thebetterfootbefore:
StraightwillIbringyoutotheloathsomepit
WhereIespiedthepantherfastasleep.
QUINTUS.Mysightisverydull,whate’eritbodes.
MARTIUS.Andmine,Ipromiseyou:were’tnotforshame,
WellcouldIleaveoursporttosleepawhile.
Fallsintothepit
QUINTUS.What!artthoufall’n?Whatsubtleholeisthis,
Whosemouthiscover ’dwithrude-growingbriers,
Uponwhoseleavesaredropsofnew-shedblood
Asfreshasmorning’sdewdistill’donflowers?
Averyfatalplaceitseemstome.
Speak,brother,hastthouhurttheewiththefall?
MARTIUS.Obrother!withthedismall’stobjecthurt
Thatevereyewithsightmadeheartlament.
AARON .(Aside)NowwillIfetchthekingtofindthem
here,
Thathetherebymaygivealikelyguess
Howtheseweretheythatmadeawayhisbrother.Exit
MARTIUS.Whydostnotcomfortme,andhelpmeout
Fromthisunhallow’dandblood-stainedhole?
QUINTUS.Iamsurprisedwithanuncouthfear:
Achillingsweato’errunsmytremblingjoints:
Myheartsuspectsmorethanmineeyecansee.
MARTIUS.Toprovethouhastatrue-diviningheart,
Aaronandthoulookdownintothisden,
Andseeafearfulsightofbloodanddeath.
QUINTUS.Aaronisgone;andmycompassionateheart
Willnotpermitmineeyesoncetobehold
Thethingwhereatittremblesbysurmise.
O!tellmehowitis;forne’ertillnow
WasIachild,tofearIknownotwhat.
MARTIUS.LordBassianusliesembrewedhere,
Allonaheap,liketoaslaughter ’dlamb,
Inthisdetested,dark,blood-drinkingpit.
QUINTUS.Ifitbedark,howdostthouknow’tishe?
MARTIUS.Uponhisbloodyfingerhedothwear
Apreciousring,thatlightensallthehole,
Which,likeataperinsomemonument,
Dothshineuponthedeadman’searthycheeks,
Andshowstheraggedentrailsofthepit:
SopaledidshinethemoononPyramus
Whenhebynightlaybath’dinmaidenblood.
Obrother!helpmewiththyfaintinghand,
Iffearhathmadetheefaint,asmeithath,
Outofthisfelldevouringreceptacle,
AshatefulasCocytus’mistymouth.
QUINTUS.Reachmethyhand,thatImayhelptheeout;
Or,wantingstrengthtodotheesomuchgood
Imaybepluck’dintotheswallowingwomb
Ofthisdeeppit,poorBassianus’grave.
Ihavenostrengthtoplucktheetothebrink.
MARTIUS.NorInostrengthtoclimbwithoutthyhelp.
QUINTUS.Thyhandoncemore;Iwillnotlooseagain,
Tillthouartherealoft,orIbelow.
Thoucanstnotcometome:Icometothee.Bothfallin
Re-enterAaronwithSaturninus
SATURNINUS.Alongwithme:I’llseewhatholeishere,
Andwhatheisthatnowisleap’dintoit.
Say,whoartthouthatlatelydidstdescend
Intothisgapinghollowoftheearth?
MARTIUS.TheunhappysonofoldAndronicus;
Broughthitherinamostunluckyhour,
TofindthybrotherBassianusdead.
SATURNINUS.Mybrotherdead!Iknowthoudostbutjest:
Heandhisladybothareatthelodge,
Uponthenorthsideofthispleasantchase;
’TisnotanhoursinceIlefthimthere.
MARTIUS.Weknownotwhereyoulefthimallalive;
But,outalas!herehavewefoundhimdead.
Re-enterTamora,withAttendants;TitusAndronicus,
andLucius
TAMORA.Whereismylord,theking?
SATURNINUS.Here,Tamora;thoughgriev’dwithkilling
grief.
TAMORA.WhereisthybrotherBassianus?
SATURNINUS.Nowtothebottomdostthousearchmy
wound:
PoorBassianushereliesmurdered.
TAMORA.ThenalltoolateIbringthisfatalwrit,
Givingaletter
Thecomplotofthistimelesstragedy;
Andwondergreatlythatman’sfacecanfold
Inpleasingsmilessuchmurderoustyranny.
SATURNINUS.(Reading)‘Andifwemisstomeethimhand-
somely,
Sweethuntsman,Bassianus’tiswemean,
Dothousomuchasdigthegraveforhim:
Thouknow’stourmeaning.Lookforthyreward
Amongthenettlesattheelder-tree
Whichovershadesthemouthofthatsamepit
WherewedecreedtoburyBassianus:
Dothis,andpurchaseusthylastingfriends.’
OTamora!waseverheardthelike?
Thisisthepit,andthistheelder-tree.
Look,sirs,ifyoucanfindthehuntsmanout
Thatshouldhavemurder ’dBassianushere.
AARON .Mygraciouslord,hereisthebagofgold.
SATURNINUS.(ToTitus)Twoofthywhelps,fellcursof
bloodykind,
Haveherebereftmybrotherofhislife.
Sirs,dragthemfromthepituntotheprison:
Thereletthembideuntilwehavedevis’d
Somenever-heard-oftorturingpainforthem.
TAMORA.What!aretheyinthispit?Owondrousthing!
Howeasilymurderisdiscovered!
TITUS.Highemperor,uponmyfeebleknee
Ibegthisboonwithtearsnotlightlyshed;
Thatthisfellfaultofmyaccursedsons,
Accursed,ifthefaultbeprov’dinthem,—
SATURNINUS.Ifitbeprov’d!youseeitisapparent.
Whofoundthisletter?Tamora,wasityou?
TAMORA.Andronicushimselfdidtakeitup.
TITUS.Idid,mylord:yetletmebetheirbail;
For,bymyfather ’sreverendtomb,Ivow
TheyshallbereadyatyourHighness’will
Toanswertheirsuspicionwiththeirlives.
SATURNINUS.Thoushaltnotbailthem:seethoufollowme.
Somebringthemurder ’dbody,somethemurderers:
Letthemnotspeakaword;theguiltisplain;
For,bymysoul,werethereworseendthandeath,
Thatenduponthemshouldbeexecuted.
TAMORA.Andronicus,Iwillentreattheking:
Fearnotthysons,theyshalldowellenough.
TITUS.Come,Lucius,come;staynottotalkwiththem.
Exeuntseverally
SCENEFOUR
AnotherPartoftheForest.
EnterDemetriusandChiron,withLavinia,ravished;her
handscutoff,andhertonguecutout
DEMETRIUS.So,nowgotell,anifthytonguecanspeak,
Who’twasthatcutthytongueandravish’dthee.
CHIRON .Writedownthymind,bewraythymeaningso;
Anifthystumpswilllettheeplaythescribe.
DEMETRIUS.See,howwithsignsandtokensshecan
scrowl.
CHIRON .Gohome,callforsweetwater,washthyhands.
DEMETRIUS.Shehathnotonguetocall,norhandstowash;
Andsolet’sleavehertohersilentwalks.
CHIRON .An’tweremycase,Ishouldgohangmyself.
DEMETRIUS.Ifthouhadsthandstohelptheeknitthecord.
ExeuntDemetriusandChiron
EnterMarcus
MARCUS.Who’sthis?myniece,thatfliesawaysofast?
Cousin,aword;whereisyourhusband?
IfIdodream,wouldallmywealthwouldwakeme!
IfIdowake,someplanetstrikemedown,
ThatImayslumberineternalsleep!
Speak,gentleniece,whatsternungentlehands
Havelopp’dandhew’dandmadethybodybare
Ofhertwobranches,thosesweetornaments,
Whosecirclingshadowskingshavesoughttosleepin,
Andmightnotgainsogreatahappiness
Ashavethylove?Whydostnotspeaktome?
Alas!acrimsonriverofwarmblood,
Liketoabubblingfountainstirr ’dwithwind,
Dothriseandfallbetweenthyrosedlips,
Comingandgoingwiththyhoneybreath.
But,sure,someTereushathdeflower ’dthee,
And,lestthoushouldstdetecthim,cutthytongue.
Ah!nowthouturn’stawaythyfaceforshame
And,notwithstandingallthislossofblood,
Asfromaconduitwiththreeissuingspouts,
YetdothycheekslookredasTitan’sface
Blushingtobeencounter ’dwithacloud.
ShallIspeakforthee?shallIsay’tisso?
O!thatIknewthyheart;andknewthebeast,
ThatImightrailathimtoeasemymind.
Sorrowconcealed,liketoanovenstopp’d,
Dothburnthehearttocinderswhereitis.
FairPhilomela,shebutlosthertongue,
Andinatedioussamplersew’dhermind:
But,lovelyniece,thatmeaniscutfromthee;
AcraftierTereushastthoumetwithal,
Andhehathcutthoseprettyfingersoff,
Thatcouldhavebettersew’dthanPhilomel.
O!hadthemonsterseenthoselilyhands
Tremble,likeaspen-leaves,uponalute,
Andmakethesilkenstringsdelighttokissthem,
Hewouldnot,then,havetouch’dthemforhislife;
Orhadheheardtheheavenlyharmony
Whichthatsweettonguehathmade,
Hewouldhavedropp’dhisknife,andfellasleep,
AsCerberusattheThracianpoet’sfeet.
Come,letusgo,andmakethyfatherblind;
Forsuchasightwillblindafather ’seye:
Onehour ’sstormwilldrownthefragrantmeads;
Whatwillwholemonthsoftearsthyfather ’seyes?
Donotdrawback,forwewillmournwiththee:
O!couldourmourningeasethymisery.Exeunt
ACTTHREE
SCENEONE
Rome.AStreet.
EnterSenators,Tribunes,andOfficersofJustice,with
MartiusandQuintus,bound,passingontotheplace
ofexecution;Titusgoingbefore,pleading
TITUS.Hearme,gravefathers!nobletribunes,stay!
Forpityofmineage,whoseyouthwasspent
Indangerouswars,whilstyousecurelyslept;
ForallmybloodinRome’sgreatquarrelshed;
ForallthefrostynightsthatIhavewatched;
Andforthesebittertears,whichnowyousee
Fillingtheagedwrinklesinmycheeks;
Bepitifultomycondemnedsons,
Whosesoulsarenotcorruptedas’tisthought.
FortwoandtwentysonsIneverwept,
Becausetheydiedinhonour ’sloftybed.
Forthese,these,tribunes,inthedustIwrite
Hethrowshimselfontheground
Myheart’sdeeplanguorandmysoul’ssadtears.
Letmytearsstanchtheearth’sdryappetite;
Mysons’sweetbloodwillmakeitshameandblush.
ExeuntSenators,Tribunes,&c.,withthePrisoners
Oearth!Iwillbefriendtheemorewithrain,
Thatshalldistilfromthesetwoancienturns,
ThanyouthfulAprilshallwithallhisshowers:
Insummer ’sdroughtI’lldropupontheestill;
InwinterwithwarmtearsI’llmeltthesnow,
Andkeepeternalspring-timeonthyface,
Sothourefusetodrinkmydearsons’blood.
EnterLucius,withhissworddrawn
Oreverendtribunes!Ogentle,agedmen!
Unbindmysons,reversethedoomofdeath:
Andletmesay,thatneverweptbefore,
Mytearsarenowprevailingorators.
LUCIUS.Onoblefather,youlamentinvain:
Thetribuneshearyounot,nomanisby;
Andyourecountyoursorrowstoastone.
TITUS.Ah!Lucius,forthybrothersletmeplead.
Gravetribunes,oncemoreIentreatofyou,—
LUCIUS.Mygraciouslord,notribunehearsyouspeak.
TITUS.Why,’tisnomatter,man:iftheydidhear,
Theywouldnotmarkme,oriftheydidmark,
Theywouldnotpityme,yetpleadImust,
Allbootlessuntothem.
ThereforeItellmysorrowstothestones,
Who,thoughtheycannotanswermydistress,
Yetinsomesorttheyarebetterthanthetribunes,
Forthattheywillnotinterceptmytale.
WhenIdoweep,theyhumblyatmyfeet
Receivemytears,andseemtoweepwithme
And,weretheybutattiredingraveweeds,
Romecouldaffordnotribuneliketothese.
Astoneissoftaswax,tribunesmorehardthanstones.
Astoneissilent,andoffendethnot,
Andtribuneswiththeirtonguesdoommentodeath.
Rises
Butwhereforestand’stthouwiththyweapondrawn?
LUCIUS.Torescuemytwobrothersfromtheirdeath;
Forwhichattemptthejudgeshavepronounc’d
Myeverlastingdoomofbanishment.
TITUS.Ohappyman!theyhavebefriendedthee.
Why,foolishLucius,dostthounotperceive
ThatRomeisbutawildernessoftigers?
Tigersmustprey;andRomeaffordsnoprey
Butmeandmine:howhappyartthouthen,
Fromthesedevourerstobebanished!
ButwhocomeswithourbrotherMarcushere?
EnterMarcusandLavinia
MARCUS.Titus,preparethyagedeyestoweep;
Or,ifnotso,thynoblehearttobreak:
Ibringconsumingsorrowtothineage.
TITUS.Willitconsumeme?letmeseeitthen.
MARCUS.Thiswasthydaughter.
TITUS.Why,Marcus,sosheis.
LUCIUS.Ayme!thisobjectkillsme.
TITUS.Faint-heartedboy,arise,andlookuponher.
Speak,Lavinia,whataccursedhand
Hathmadetheehandlessinthyfather ’ssight?
Whatfoolhathaddedwatertothesea,
Orbroughtafaggottobright-burningTroy?
Mygriefwasattheheightbeforethoucam’st;
Andnow,likeNilus,itdisdainethbounds.
Givemeasword,I’llchopoffmyhandstoo;
FortheyhavefoughtforRome,andallinvain;
Andtheyhavenurs’dthiswoe,infeedinglife;
Inbootlessprayerhavetheybeenheldup,
Andtheyhaveserv’dmetoeffectlessuse:
NowalltheserviceIrequireofthem
Isthattheonewillhelptocuttheother.
’Tiswell,Lavinia,thatthouhastnohands,
Forhands,todoRomeservice,arebutvain.
LUCIUS.Speak,gentlesister,whohathmartyr ’dthee?
MARCUS.O!thatdelightfulengineofherthoughts,
Thatblabb’dthemwithsuchpleasingeloquence,
Istornfromforththatprettyhollowcage,
Where,likeasweetmelodiousbird,itsung
Sweetvariednotes,enchantingeveryear.
LUCIUS.O!saythouforher,whohathdonethisdeed?
MARCUS.O!thusIfoundherstrayinginthepark,
Seekingtohideherself,asdoththedeer,
Thathathreceiv’dsomeunrecuringwound.
TITUS.Itwasmydear;andhethatwoundedher
Hathhurtmemorethanhadhekill’dmedead:
FornowIstandasoneuponarock
Environ’dwithawildernessofsea,
Whomarksthewaxingtidegrowwavebywave,
Expectingeverwhensomeenvioussurge
Willinhisbrinishbowelsswallowhim.
Thiswaytodeathmywretchedsonsaregone;
Herestandsmyotherson,abanishedman,
Andheremybrother,weepingatmywoes:
Butthatwhichgivesmysoulthegreatestspurn,
IsdearLavinia,dearerthanmysoul.
HadIbutseenthypictureinthisplight
Itwouldhavemaddedme:whatshallIdo
NowIbeholdthylivelybodyso?
Thouhastnohandstowipeawaythytears,
Nortonguetotellmewhohathmartyr ’dthee:
Thyhusbandheisdead,andforhisdeath
Thybrothersarecondemn’d,anddeadbythis.
Look!Marcus;ah!sonLucius,lookonher:
WhenIdidnameherbrothers,thenfreshtears
Stoodonhercheeks,asdoththehoney-dew
Uponagather ’dlilyalmostwither ’d.
MARCUS.Perchancesheweepsbecausetheykill’dher
husband;
Perchancebecausesheknowstheminnocent.
TITUS.Iftheydidkillthyhusband,thenbejoyful,
Becausethelawhathta’enrevengeonthem.
No,no,theywouldnotdosofouladeed;
Witnessthesorrowthattheirsistermakes.
GentleLavinia,letmekissthylips;
OrmakesomesignhowImaydotheeease.
Shallthygooduncle,andthybrotherLucius,
Andthou,andI,sitroundaboutsomefountain,
Lookingalldownwards,tobeholdourcheeks
Howtheyarestain’d,likemeadowsyetnotdry,
Withmiryslimeleftonthembyaflood?
Andinthefountainshallwegazesolong
Tillthefreshtastebetakenfromthatclearness,
Andmadeabrine-pitwithourbittertears?
Orshallwecutawayourhands,likethine?
Orshallwebiteourtongues,andindumbshows
Passtheremainderofourhatefuldays?
Whatshallwedo?letus,thathaveourtongues,
Plotsomedeviceoffurthermisery,
Tomakeuswonder ’datintimetocome.
LUCIUS.Sweetfather,ceaseyourtears;foratyourgrief
Seehowmywretchedsistersobsandweeps.
MARCUS.Patience,dearniece.GoodTitus,drythineeyes.
TITUS.Ah!Marcus,Marcus,brother;wellIwot
Thynapkincannotdrinkatearofmine,
Forthou,poorman,hastdrown’ditwiththineown.
LUCIUS.Ah!myLavinia,Iwillwipethycheeks.
TITUS.Mark,Marcus,mark!Iunderstandhersigns:
Hadsheatonguetospeak,nowwouldshesay
ThattoherbrotherwhichIsaidtothee:
Hisnapkin,withhistruetearsallbewet,
Candonoserviceonhersorrowfulcheeks.
O!whatasympathyofwoeisthis;
Asfarfromhelpaslimboisfrombliss.
EnterAaron
AARON .TitusAndronicus,mylordtheemperor
Sendstheethisword:that,ifthoulovethysons,
LetMarcus,Lucius,orthyself,oldTitus,
Oranyoneofyou,chopoffyourhand,
Andsendittotheking:heforthesame
Willsendtheehitherboththysonsalive;
Andthatshallbetheransomfortheirfault.
TITUS.Ograciousemperor!OgentleAaron!
Dideverravensingsolikealark,
Thatgivessweettidingsofthesun’suprise?
Withallmyheart,I’llsendtheemperormyhand:
GoodAaron,wiltthouhelptochopitoff?
LUCIUS.Stay,father!forthatnoblehandofthine,
Thathaththrowndownsomanyenemies,
Shallnotbesent;myhandwillservetheturn:
Myyouthcanbettersparemybloodthanyou;
Andthereforemineshallsavemybrothers’lives.
MARCUS.WhichofyourhandshathnotdefendedRome,
Andrear ’daloftthebloodybattle-axe,
Writingdestructionontheenemy’scastle?
O!noneofbothbutareofhighdesert:
Myhandhathbeenbutidle;letitserve
Toransommytwonephewsfromtheirdeath;
ThenhaveIkeptittoaworthyend.
AARON .Nay,come,agreewhosehandshallgoalong,
Forfeartheydiebeforetheirpardoncome.
MARCUS.Myhandshallgo.
LUCIUS.Byheaven,itshallnotgo!
TITUS.Sirs,strivenomore:suchwither ’dherbsasthese
Aremeetforpluckingup,andthereforemine.
LUCIUS.Sweetfather,ifIshallbethoughtthyson,
Letmeredeemmybrothersbothfromdeath.
MARCUS.Andforourfather ’ssake,andmother ’scare,
Nowletmeshowabrother ’slovetothee.
TITUS.Agreebetweenyou;Iwillsparemyhand.
LUCIUS.ThenI’llgofetchanaxe.
MARCUS.ButIwillusetheaxe.
ExeuntLuciusandMarcus
TITUS.Comehither,Aaron;I’lldeceivethemboth:
Lendmethyhand,andIwillgivetheemine.
AARON .(Aside)Ifthatbecall’ddeceit,Iwillbehonest,
Andnever,whilstIlive,deceivemenso:
ButI’lldeceiveyouinanothersort,
Andthatyou’llsay,erehalfanhourpass.
CutsoffTitus’hand
Re-enterLuciusandMarcus
TITUS.Nowstayyourstrife:whatshallbeisdispatch’d.
GoodAaron,givehismajestymyhand:
Tellhimitwasahandthatwardedhim
Fromthousanddangers;bidhimburyit;
Morehathitmerited;thatletithave.
Asformysons,sayIaccountofthem
Asjewelspurchas’dataneasyprice;
Andyetdeartoo,becauseIboughtmineown.
AARON .Igo,Andronicus;andforthyhand,
Lookbyandbytohavethysonswiththee.
(Aside)Theirheads,Imean.O!howthisvillany
Dothfatmewiththeverythoughtsofit.
Letfoolsdogood,andfairmencallforgrace,
Aaronwillhavehissoulblacklikehisface.Exit
TITUS.O!hereIliftthisonehanduptoheaven,
Andbowthisfeebleruintotheearth:
Ifanypowerpitieswretchedtears,
TothatIcall!(ToLavinia)What!wiltthoukneelwith
me?
Do,then,dearheart;forheavenshallhearourprayers,
Orwithoursighswe’llbreathethewelkindim,
Andstainthesunwithfog,assometimeclouds
Whentheydohughimintheirmeltingbosoms.
MARCUS.O!brother,speakwithpossibilities,
Anddonotbreakintothesedeepextremes.
TITUS.Isnotmysorrowdeep,havingnobottom?
Thenbemypassionsbottomlesswiththem.
MARCUS.Butyetletreasongovernthylament.
TITUS.Iftherewerereasonforthesemiseries,
ThenintolimitscouldIbindmywoes.
Whenheavendothweep,dothnottheeartho’erflow?
Ifthewindsrage,dothnottheseawaxmad,
Threateningthewelkinwithhisbig-swolnface?
Andwiltthouhaveareasonforthiscoil?
Iamthesea;hark!howhersighsdoblow
Sheistheweepingwelkin,Itheearth:
Thenmustmyseabemovedwithhersighs;
Thenmustmyearthwithhercontinualtears
Becomeadeluge,overflow’danddrown’d;
Forwhymybowelscannothideherwoes,
ButlikeadrunkardmustIvomitthem.
Thengivemeleave,forloserswillhaveleave
Toeasetheirstomachswiththeirbittertongues.
EnteraMessenger,withtwoheadsandahand
MESSENGER.WorthyAndronicus,illartthourepaid
Forthatgoodhandthousent’sttheemperor.
Herearetheheadsofthytwonoblesons,
Andhere’sthyhand,inscorntotheesentback:
Thygriefstheirsports,thyresolutionmock’d;
Thatwoeismetothinkuponthywoes,
Morethanremembranceofmyfather ’sdeath.Exit
MARCUS.NowlethotÆtnacoolinSicily,
Andbemyheartaneverburninghell!
Thesemiseriesaremorethanmaybeborne.
Toweepwiththemthatweepdotheasesomedeal,
Butsorrowfloutedatisdoubledeath.
LUCIUS.Ah!thatthissightshouldmakesodeepawound,
Andyetdetestedlifenotshrinkthereat,
Thateverdeathshouldletlifebearhisname,
Wherelifehathnomoreinterestbuttobreathe.
LaviniakissesTitus
MARCUS.Alas!poorheart;thatkissiscomfortless
Asfrozenwatertoastarvedsnake.
TITUS.Whenwillthisfearfulslumberhaveanend?
MARCUS.Now,farewell,flattery:die,Andronicus;
Thoudostnotslumber:see,thytwosons’heads,
Thywarlikehand,thymangleddaughterhere;
Thyotherbanish’dson,withthisdearsight
Struckpaleandbloodless;andthybrother,I,
Evenlikeastonyimage,coldandnumb.
Ah!nownomorewillIcontrolthygriefs.
Rentoffthysilverhair,thyotherhand
Gnawingwiththyteeth;andbethisdismalsight
Theclosingupofourmostwretchedeyes!
Nowisatimetostorm;whyartthoustill?
TITUS.Ha,ha,ha!
MARCUS.Whydostthoulaugh?itfitsnotwiththishour.
TITUS.Why,Ihavenotanotherteartoshed:
Besides,thissorrowisanenemy,
Andwouldusurpuponmywateryeyes,
Andmakethemblindwithtributarytears:
ThenwhichwayshallIfindRevenge’scave?
Forthesetwoheadsdoseemtospeaktome,
AndthreatmeIshallnevercometobliss
Tillallthesemischiefsbereturn’dagain
Evenintheirthroatsthathavecommittedthem.
Come,letmeseewhattaskIhavetodo.
Youheavypeople,circlemeabout,
ThatImayturnmetoeachoneofyou,
Andswearuntomysoultorightyourwrongs.
Thevowismade.Come,brother,takeahead;
AndinthishandtheotherwillIbear.
Lavinia,thoushaltbeemploy’dinthesethings:
Bearthoumyhand,sweetwench,betweenthyteeth.
Asforthee,boy,gogettheefrommysight;
Thouartanexile,andthoumustnotstay:
HietotheGoths,andraiseanarmythere:
Andifyouloveme,asIthinkyoudo,
Let’skissandpart,forwehavemuchtodo.
ExeuntTitus,Marcus,andLavinia
LUCIUS.Farewell,Andronicus,mynoblefather;
Thewoefull’stmanthateverliv’dinRome:
Farewell,proudRome;tillLuciuscomeagain,
Heleaveshispledgesdearerthanhislife.
Farewell,Lavinia,mynoblesister;
O!wouldthouwertasthoutoforehastbeen;
ButnownorLuciusnorLavinialives
Butinoblivionandhatefulgriefs.
IfLuciuslive,hewillrequiteyourwrongs,
AndmakeproudSaturnineandhisempress
BegatthegateslikeTarquinandhisqueen.
NowwillItotheGoths,andraiseapower,
Tobereveng’donRomeandSaturnine.Exit
SCENETWO
TheSame.ARoominTitus’House.ABanquetsetout.
EnterTitus,Marcus,Lavinia,andyoungLucius,aBoy
TITUS.So,so;nowsit;andlookyoueatnomore
Thanwillpreservejustsomuchstrengthinus
Aswillrevengethesebitterwoesofours.
Marcus,unknitthatsorrow-wreathenknot:
ThynieceandI,poorcreatures,wantourhands,
Andcannotpassionateourtenfoldgrief
Withfoldedarms.Thispoorrighthandofmine
Islefttotyrannizeuponmybreast;
Andwhenmyheart,allmadwithmisery,
Beatsinthishollowprisonofmyflesh,
ThenthusIthumpitdown.
(ToLavinia)Thoumapofwoe,thatthusdosttalkin
signs!
Whenthypoorheartbeatswithoutrageousbeating
Thoucanstnotstrikeitthustomakeitstill.
Wounditwithsighing,girl,killitwithgroans;
Orgetsomelittleknifebetweenthyteeth,
Andjustagainstthyheartmakethouahole;
Thatallthetearsthatthypooreyesletfall
Mayrunintothatsink,and,soakingin,
Drownthelamentingfoolinsea-salttears.
MARCUS.Fie,brother,fie!teachhernotthustolay
Suchviolenthandsuponhertenderlife.
TITUS.Hownow!hassorrowmadetheedotealready?
Why,Marcus,nomanshouldbemadbutI.
Whatviolenthandscanshelayonherlife?
Ah!whereforedostthouurgethenameofhands;
TobidÆneastellthetaletwiceo’er,
HowTroywasburntandhemademiserable?
O!handlenotthetheme,totalkofhands,
Lestwerememberstillthatwehavenone.
Fie,fie!howfranticlyIsquaremytalk,
Asifweshouldforgetwehadnohands,
IfMarcusdidnotnamethewordofhands.
Come,let’sfallto;and,gentlegirl,eatthis:
Hereisnodrink.Hark,Marcus,whatshesays;
Icaninterpretallhermartyr ’dsigns:
Shesaysshedrinksnootherdrinkbuttears,
Brew’dwithhersorrow,mash’duponhercheeks.
Speechlesscomplainer,Iwilllearnthythought;
InthydumbactionwillIbeasperfect
Asbegginghermitsintheirholyprayers:
Thoushaltnotsigh,norholdthystumpstoheaven,
Norwink,nornod,norkneel,normakeasign,
ButIofthesewillwrestanalphabet,
Andbystillpracticelearntoknowthymeaning.
BOY.Goodgrandsire,leavethesebitterdeeplaments:
Makemyauntmerrywithsomepleasingtale.
MARCUS.Alas!thetenderboy,inpassionmov’d,
Dothweeptoseehisgrandsire’sheaviness.
TITUS.Peace,tendersapling;thouartmadeoftears,
Andtearswillquicklymeltthylifeaway.
Marcusstrikesthedishwithaknife
Whatdostthoustrikeat,Marcus,withthyknife?
MARCUS.AtthatthatIhavekill’d,mylord;afly.
TITUS.Outonthee,murderer!thoukill’stmyheart;
Mineeyesarecloy’dwithviewoftyranny:
Adeedofdeath,doneontheinnocent,
BecomesnotTitus’brother.Gettheegone;
Isee,thouartnotformycompany.
MARCUS.Alas!mylord,Ihavebutkill’dafly.
TITUS.Buthowifthatflyhadafatherandamother?
Howwouldhehanghisslendergildedwings
Andbuzzlamentingdoingsintheair!
Poorharmlessfly,
That,withhisprettybuzzingmelody,
Cameheretomakeusmerry!andthouhastkill’dhim.
MARCUS.Pardonme,sir;itwasablackill-favour ’dfly,
Liketotheempress’Moor;thereforeIkill’dhim.
TITUS.O,O,O!
Thenpardonmeforreprehendingthee,
Forthouhastdoneacharitabledeed.
Givemethyknife,Iwillinsultonhim;
Flatteringmyself,asifitweretheMoor
Comehitherpurposelytopoisonme.
There’sforthyself,andthat’sforTamora.
Ah!sirrah.
YetIthinkwearenotbroughtsolow,
Butthatbetweenuswecankillafly
Thatcomesinlikenessofacoal-blackMoor.
MARCUS.Alas!poorman;griefhassowroughtonhim,
Hetakesfalseshadowsfortruesubstances.
TITUS.Come,takeaway.Lavinia,gowithme:
I’lltothycloset;andgoreadwiththee
Sadstorieschancedinthetimesofold.
Come,boy,andgowithme:thysightisyoung,
Andthoushaltreadwhenminebeginstodazzle.
Exeunt
ACTFOUR
SCENEONE
Rome.Titus’Garden.
EnterTitusandMarcus.ThenenteryoungLucius,with
hisbooksunderhisarm,Lavinia
runningafterhim
BOY.Help,grandsire,help!myauntLavinia
Followsmeeverywhere,Iknownotwhy:
GooduncleMarcus,seehowswiftshecomes:
Alas!sweetaunt,Iknownotwhatyoumean.
MARCUS.Standbyme,Lucius;donotfearthineaunt.
TITUS.Shelovesthee,boy,toowelltodotheeharm.
BOY.Ay,whenmyfatherwasinRome,shedid.
MARCUS.WhatmeansmynieceLaviniabythesesigns?
TITUS.Fearhernot,Lucius:somewhatdothshemean.
See,Lucius,seehowmuchshemakesofthee;
Somewhitherwouldshehavetheegowithher.
Ah!boy;Cornelianeverwithmorecare
Readtohersons,thanshehathreadtothee
SweetpoetryandTully’sOrator.
MARCUS.Canstthounotguesswhereforeshepliesthee
thus?
BOY.MyLord,Iknownot,I,norcanIguess,
Unlesssomefitorfrenzydopossessher;
ForIhaveheardmygrandsiresayfulloft,
Extremityofgriefswouldmakemenmad;
AndIhavereadthatHecubaofTroy
Ranmadthroughsorrow;thatmademetofear,
Although,mylord,Iknowmynobleaunt
Lovesmeasdearase’ermymotherdid,
Andwouldnot,butinfury,frightmyyouth;
Whichmademedowntothrowmybooksandfly,
Causeless,perhaps.Butpardonme,sweetaunt;
And,madam,ifmyuncleMarcusgo,
Iwillmostwillinglyattendyourladyship.
MARCUS.Lucius,Iwill.Laviniaturnsover
thebookswhichLuciushadletfall
TITUS.Hownow,Lavinia!Marcus,whatmeansthis?
Somebookthereisthatshedesirestosee.
Whichisit,girl,ofthese?Openthem,boy.
Butthouartdeeperread,andbetterskill’d;
Come,andtakechoiceofallmylibrary,
Andsobeguilethysorrow,tilltheheavens
Revealthedamn’dcontriverofthisdeed.
Whyliftssheupherarmsinsequencethus?
MARCUS.Ithinkshemeansthattherewasmorethanone
Confederateinthefact:ay,moretherewas;
Orelsetoheavensheheavesthemforrevenge.
TITUS.Lucius,whatbookisthatshetossethso?
BOY.Grandsire,’tisOvid’sMetamorphoses;
Mymothergaveitme.
MARCUS.Forloveofherthat’sgone,
Perhaps,shecull’ditfromamongtherest.
TITUSSoft!seehowbusilysheturnstheleaves!
Helpingher
Whatwouldshefind?Lavinia,shallIread?
ThisisthetragictaleofPhilomel,
AndtreatsofTereus’treasonandhisrape;
Andrape,Ifear,wasrootofthineannoy.
MARCUS.See,brother,see!notehowshequotestheleaves.
TITUS.Lavinia,wertthouthussurpris’d,sweetgirl,
Ravish’dandwrong’d,asPhilomelawas,
Forc’dintheruthless,vast,andgloomywoods?
See,see!
Ay,suchaplacethereis,wherewedidhunt,
O!hadwenever,neverhuntedthere,—
Pattern’dbythatthepoetheredescribes,
Bynaturemadeformurdersandforrapes.
MARCUS.O!whyshouldnaturebuildsofouladen,
Unlessthegodsdelightintragedies?
TITUS.Givesigns,sweetgirl,forherearenonebutfriends,
WhatRomanlorditwasdurstdothedeed:
OrslunknotSaturnine,asTarquinerst,
ThatleftthecamptosininLucrece’bed?
MARCUS.Sitdown,sweetniece:brother,sitdownbyme.
Apollo,Pallas,Jove,orMercury,
Inspireme,thatImaythistreasonfind!
Mylord,lookhere;lookhere,Lavinia:
Thissandyplotisplain;guide,ifthoucanst,
Thisafterme.Hewriteshisnamewith
hisstaff,andguidesitwithhisfeetandmouth
Ihavewritmyname
Withoutthehelpofanyhandatall.
Curs’dbethatheartthatforc’dustothisshift!
Writethou,goodniece,andheredisplayatlast
WhatGodwillhavediscover ’dforrevenge.
Heavenguidethypentoprintthysorrowsplain,
Thatwemayknowthetraitorsandthetruth!
Shetakesthestaffinher
mouth,andguidesitwithherstumps,andwrites
TITUS.O!doyouread,mylord,whatshehathwrit?
‘Stuprum—Chiron—Demetrius.’
MARCUS.What,what!thelustfulsonsofTamora
Performersofthisheinousbloodydeed?
TITUS.Magnidominatorpoli,
Tamlentusaudisscelera?tamlentusvides?
MARCUS.O!calmthee,gentlelord;althoughIknow
Thereisenoughwrittenuponthisearth
Tostiramutinyinthemildestthoughts
Andarmthemindsofinfantstoexclaims.
Mylord,kneeldownwithme;Lavinia,kneel;
Andkneel,sweetboy,theRomanHector ’shope;
Andswearwithme,as,withthewoefulfere
Andfatherofthatchastedishonour ’ddame,
LordJuniusBrutusswareforLucrece’rape,
Thatwewillprosecutebygoodadvice
MortalrevengeuponthesetraitorousGoths,
Andseetheirblood,ordiewiththisreproach.
TITUS.’Tissureenough,anyouknewhow;
Butifyouhuntthesebear-whelps,thenbeware:
Thedamwillwake,andifshewindyouonce:
She’swiththeliondeeplystillinleague,
Andlullshimwhilstsheplayethonherback,
Andwhenhesleepswillshedowhatshelist.
You’reayounghuntsman,Marcus;letitalone;
And,come,Iwillgogetaleafofbrass,
Andwithagadofsteelwillwritethesewords,
Andlayitby:theangrynorthernwind
WillblowthesesandslikeSibyl’sleavesabroad,
Andwhere’syourlessonthen?Boy,whatsayyou?
BOY.Isay,mylord,thatifIwereaman,
Theirmother ’sbed-chambershouldnotbesafe
ForthesebadbondmentotheyokeofRome.
MARCUS.Ay,that’smyboy;thyfatherhathfulloft
Forhisungratefulcountrydonethelike.
BOY.And,uncle,sowillI,andifIlive.
TITUS.Come,gowithmeintominearmoury:
Lucius,I’llfitthee;andwithalmyboy
Shallcarryfrommetotheempress’sons
PresentsthatIintendtosendthemboth:
Come,come;thou’ltdothymessage,wiltthounot?
BOY.Ay,withmydaggerintheirbosoms,grandsire.
TITUS.No,boy,notso;I’llteachtheeanothercourse.
Lavinia,come.Marcus,looktomyhouse;
LuciusandI’llgobraveitatthecourt:
Ay,marry,willwe,sir;andwe’llbewaitedon.
ExeuntTitus,Lavinia,andBoy
MARCUS.Oheavens!canyouhearagoodmangroan,
Andnotrelentornotcompassionhim?
Marcus,attendhiminhisecstasy,
Thathathmorescarsofsorrowinhisheart
Thanfoemen’smarksuponhisbatter ’dshield;
Butyetsojustthathewillnotrevenge.
Revenge,yeheavens,foroldAndronicus!Exit
SCENETWO
TheSame.ARoominthePalace.
Enter,fromoneside,Aaron,Demetrius,andChiron;from
theotheryoungLucius,andanAttendant,witha
bundleofweapons,andverseswrituponthem
CHIRON .Demetrius,here’sthesonofLucius;
Hehathsomemessagetodeliverus.
AARON .Ay,somemadmessagefromhismadgrandfather.
BOY.Mylords,withallthehumblenessImay,
IgreetyourhonoursfromAndronicus;
(Aside)AndpraytheRomangods,confoundyouboth!
DEMETRIUS.Gramercy,lovelyLucius:what’sthenews?
BOY.(Aside)Thatyouarebothdecipher ’d,that’sthenews,
Forvillainsmark’dwithrape.(Aloud)Mayitpleaseyou,
Mygrandsire,welladvis’d,hathsentbyme
Thegoodliestweaponsofhisarmoury,
Togratifyyourhonourableyouth,
ThehopeofRome,forsohebademesay;
AndsoIdo,andwithhisgiftspresent
Yourlordships,thatwheneveryouhaveneed,
Youmaybearmedandappointedwell.
AndsoIleaveyouboth:(Aside)likebloodyvillains.
ExeuntBoyandAttendant
DEMETRIUS.What’shere?Ascroll;andwrittenround
about?
Let’ssee:—
(Reads)‘Integervitae,scelerisquepurus,
NonegetMaurijaculis,necarcu.’
CHIRON .O!’tisaverseinHorace;Iknowitwell:
Ireaditinthegrammarlongago.
AARON .Ayjust,averseinHorace;right,youhaveit.
(Aside)Now,whatathingitistobeanass!
Here’snosoundjest!theoldmanhathfoundtheirguilt.
Andsendsthemweaponswrapp’daboutwithlines,
Thatwound,beyondtheirfeeling,tothequick;
Butwereourwittyempresswellafoot,
ShewouldapplaudAndronicus’conceit:
Butletherrestinherunrestawhile;
(Tothem)Andnow,younglords,was’tnotahappystar
LedustoRome,strangers,andmorethanso,
Captives,tobeadvancedtothisheight?
Itdidmegoodbeforethepalacegate
Tobravethetribuneinhisbrother ’shearing.
DEMETRIUS.Butmemoregood,toseesogreatalord
Baselyinsinuateandsendusgifts.
AARON .Hadhenotreason,LordDemetrius?
Didyounotusehisdaughterveryfriendly?
DEMETRIUS.IwouldwehadathousandRomandames
Atsuchabay,byturntoserveourlust.
CHIRON .Acharitablewishandfulloflove.
AARON .Herelacksbutyourmotherfortosayamen.
CHIRON .Andthatwouldshefortwentythousandmore.
DEMETRIUS.Come,letusgoandpraytoallthegods
Forourbelovedmotherinherpains.
AARON .(Aside)Praytothedevils;thegodshavegivenus
over.Trumpetssound
DEMETRIUS.Whydotheemperor ’strumpetsflourishthus?
CHIRON .Belike,forjoytheemperorhathason.
DEMETRIUS.Soft!whocomeshere?
EnteraNurse,withablackamoorChild
NURSE.Good-morrow,lords.O!tellme,didyouseeAaron
theMoor?
AARON .Well,moreorless,orne’erawhitatall,
HereAaronis;andwhatwithAaronnow?
NURSE.OgentleAaron!weareallundone.
Nowhelp,orwoebetidetheeevermore!
AARON .Why,whatacaterwaulingdostthoukeep!
Whatdostthouwrapandfumbleinthinearms?
NURSE.O!thatwhichIwouldhidefromheaven’seye,
Ourempress’shame,andstatelyRome’sdisgrace!
Sheisdeliver ’d,lords,sheisdeliver ’d.
AARON .Towhom?
NURSE.Imean,she’sbroughta-bed.
AARON .Well,Godgivehergoodrest!Whathathhesent
her?
NURSE.Adevil.
AARON .Why,thenshe’sthedevil’sdam:ajoyfulissue.
NURSE.Ajoyless,dismal,black,andsorrowfulissue.
Hereisthebabe,asloathsomeasatoad
Amongstthefairestbreedersofourclime.
Theempresssendsitthee,thystamp,thyseal,
Andbidstheechristenitwiththydagger ’spoint.
AARON .’Zounds,yewhore!isblacksobaseahue?
Sweetblowse,youareabeauteousblossom,sure.
DEMETRIUS.Villain,whathastthoudone?
AARON .Thatwhichthoucanstnotundo.
CHIRON .Thouhastundoneourmother.
AARON .Villain,Ihavedonethymother.
DEMETRIUS.Andtherein,hellishdog,thouhastundone.
Woetoherchance,anddamn’dherloathedchoice!
Accurs’dtheoffspringofsofoulafiend!
CHIRON .Itshallnotlive.
AARON .Itshallnotdie.
NURSE.Aaron,itmust;themotherwillsitso.
AARON .What!mustit,nurse?thenletnomanbutI
Doexecutiononmyfleshandblood.
DEMETRIUS.I’llbroachthetadpoleonmyrapier ’spoint:
Nurse,giveitme;myswordshallsoondispatchit.
AARON .Soonerthisswordshallploughthybowelsup.
TakestheChildfromtheNurse,anddraws
Stay,murderousvillains!willyoukillyourbrother?
Now,bytheburningtapersofthesky,
Thatshonesobrightlywhenthisboywasgot,
Hediesuponmyscimitar ’ssharppoint
Thattouchesthismyfirst-bornsonandheir.
Itellyou,younglings,notEnceladus,
WithallhisthreateningbandofTyphon’sbrood,
NorgreatAlcides,northegodofwar,
Shallseizethispreyoutofhisfather ’shands.
What,what,yesanguine,shallow-heartedboys!
Yewhite-lim’dwalls!yealehousepaintedsigns!
Coal-blackisbetterthananotherhue,
Inthatitscornstobearanotherhue;
Forallthewaterintheocean
Canneverturntheswan’sblacklegstowhite,
Althoughshelavethemhourlyintheflood.
Telltheempressfromme,Iamofage
Tokeepmineown,excuseithowshecan.
DEMETRIUS.Wiltthoubetraythynoblemistressthus?
AARON .Mymistressismymistress;thismyself;
Thevigour,andthepictureofmyyouth:
ThisbeforealltheworlddoIprefer;
ThismaugrealltheworldwillIkeepsafe,
OrsomeofyoushallsmokeforitinRome.
DEMETRIUS.Bythisourmotherisforeversham’d.
CHIRON .Romewilldespiseherforthisfoulescape.
NURSE.Theemperorinhisragewilldoomherdeath.
CHIRON .Iblushtothinkuponthisignomy.
AARON .Why,there’stheprivilegeyourbeautybears.
Fie,treacheroushue!thatwillbetraywithblushing
Thecloseenactsandcounselsoftheheart:
Here’sayoungladfram’dofanotherleer:
Lookhowtheblackslavesmilesuponthefather,
Aswhoshouldsay,‘Oldlad,Iamthineown.’
Heisyourbrother,lords,sensiblyfed
Ofthatselfbloodthatfirstgavelifetoyou;
Andfromthatwombwhereyouimprisonedwere
Heisenfranchisedandcometolight:
Nay,heisyourbrotherbythesurerside,
Althoughmysealbestampedinhisface.
NURSE.Aaron,whatshallIsayuntotheempress?
DEMETRIUS.Advisethee,Aaron,whatistobedone,
Andwewillallsubscribetothyadvice:
Savethouthechild,sowemayallbesafe.
AARON .Thensitwedown,andletusallconsult,
MysonandIwillhavethewindofyou:
Keepthere;nowtalkatpleasureofyoursafety.
Theysit
DEMETRIUS.Howmanywomensawthischildofhis?
AARON .Why,so,bravelords!whenwejoininleague,
Iamalamb;butifyoubravetheMoor,
Thechafedboar,themountainlioness,
TheoceanswellsnotsoasAaronstorms.
Butsay,again,howmanysawthechild?
NURSE,Corneliathemidwife,andmyself,
Andnooneelsebutthedeliver ’dempress.
AARON .Theempress,themidwife,andyourself:
Twomaykeepcounselwhenthethird’saway.
Gototheempress;tellherthisIsaid:Stabbingher
‘Weke,weke!’
Socriesapigpreparedtothespit.
DEMETRIUS.Whatmean’stthou,Aaron?Whereforedidst
thouthis?
AARON .Olord,sir,’tisadeedofpolicy:
Shallshelivetobetraythisguiltofours,
Along-tongu’dbabblinggossip?no,lords,no.
Andnowbeitknowntoyoumyfullintent.
Notfar,oneMulilives,mycountryman;
Hiswifebutyesternightwasbroughttobed.
Hischildisliketoher,fairasyouare:
Gopackwithhim,andgivethemothergold,
Andtellthemboththecircumstanceofall,
Andhowbythistheirchildshallbeadvanc’d,
Andbereceivedfortheemperor ’sheir,
Andsubstitutedintheplaceofmine,
Tocalmthistempestwhirlinginthecourt;
Andlettheemperordandlehimforhisown.
Harkye,lords;yousee,Ihavegivenherphysic,
PointingtotheNurse
Andyoumustneedsbestowherfuneral;
Thefieldsarenear,andyouaregallantgrooms.
Thisdone,seethatyoutakenolongerdays,
Butsendthemidwifepresentlytome.
Themidwifeandthenursewellmadeaway,
Thenlettheladiestattlewhattheyplease.
CHIRON .Aaron,Iseethouwiltnottrusttheair
Withsecrets.
DEMETRIUS.ForthiscareofTamora,
Herselfandhersarehighlyboundtothee.
ExeuntDemetriusand
Chiron,bearingofftheNurse’sbody
AARON .NowtotheGoths,asswiftasswallowflies;
Theretodisposethistreasureinminearms,
Andsecretlytogreettheempress’friends.
Comeon,youthick-lipp’dslave,I’llbearyouhence;
Foritisyouthatputsustoourshifts:
I’llmakeyoufeedonberriesandonroots,
Andfeedoncurdsandwhey,andsuckthegoat,
Andcabininacave,andbringyouup
Tobeawarrior,andcommandacamp.
ExitwiththeChild
SCENETHREE
TheSame.APublicPlace.
EnterTitus,bearingarrows,withlettersontheendsofthem;
withhimMarcus,youngLucius,Publius,Sempronius,
Caius,andotherGentlemen,withbows
TITUS.Come,Marcus,come;kinsmen,thisistheway.
Sirboy,nowletmeseeyourarchery:
Lookyedrawhomeenough,and’tistherestraight.
TerrasAstræareliquit:
Beyouremember ’d,Marcus,she’sgone,she’sfled.
Sirs,takeyoutoyourtools.You,cousins,shall
Gosoundtheocean,andcastyournets;
Happilyyoumayfindherinthesea;
Yetthere’saslittlejusticeasatland.
No;PubliusandSempronius,youmustdoit;
’Tisyoumustdigwithmattockandwithspade,
Andpiercetheinmostcentreoftheearth:
Then,whenyoucometoPluto’sregion,
Iprayyou,deliverhimthispetition;
Tellhim,itisforjusticeandforaid,
AndthatitcomesfromoldAndronicus,
ShakenwithsorrowsinungratefulRome.
Ah!Rome.Well,well;Imadetheemiserable
WhattimeIthrewthepeople’ssuffrages
Onhimthatthusdothtyrannizeo’erme.
Go,getyougone;andpraybecarefulall,
Andleaveyounotaman-of-warunsearch’d:
Thiswickedemperormayhaveshipp’dherhence;
And,kinsmen,thenwemaygopipeforjustice.
MARCUS.OPublius!isnotthisaheavycase,
Toseethynobleunclethusdistract?
PUBLIUS.Therefore,mylord,ithighlyusconcerns
Bydayandnighttoattendhimcarefully,
Andfeedhishumourkindlyaswemay,
Tilltimebegetsomecarefulremedy.
MARCUS.Kinsmen,hissorrowsarepastremedy.
JoinwiththeGoths,andwithrevengefulwar
TakewreakonRomeforhisingratitude,
AndvengeanceonthetraitorSaturnine.
TITUS.Publius,hownow!hownow,mymasters!
What!haveyoumetwithher?
PUBLIUS.No,mygoodlord;butPlutosendsyouword,
IfyouwillhaveRevengefromhell,youshall:
Marry,forJustice,sheissoemploy’d,
Hethinks,withJoveinheaven,orsomewhereelse,
Sothatperforceyoumustneedsstayatime.
TITUS.Hedothmewrongtofeedmewithdelays.
I’lldiveintotheburninglakebelow,
AndpullheroutofAcheronbytheheels.
Marcus,wearebutshrubs,nocedarswe;
Nobig-bon’dmenfram’doftheCyclops’size;
Butmetal,Marcus,steeltotheveryback,
Yetwrungwithwrongsmorethanourbackscanbear:
Andsiththere’snojusticeinearthnorhell,
Wewillsolicitheavenandmovethegods
TosenddownJusticefortowreakourwrongs.
Come,tothisgear.Youareagoodarcher,Marcus.
Hegivesthemthearrows
‘AdJovem,’that’sforyou:here‘adApollinem’:
‘AdMartem,’that’sformyself:
Hereboy,toPallas:here,toMercury:
ToSaturn,Caius,nottoSaturnine;
Youwereasgoodtoshootagainstthewind.
Toit,boy!Marcus,loosewhenIbid.
Ofmyword,Ihavewrittentoeffect;
There’snotagodleftunsolicited.
MARCUS.Kinsmen,shootallyourshaftsintothecourt:
Wewillafflicttheemperorinhispride.
TITUS.Now,masters,draw.(Theyshoot)O!wellsaid,
Lucius!
Goodboy,inVirgo’slap:giveitPallas.
MARCUS.Mylord,Iaimamilebeyondthemoon:
YourletteriswithJupiterbythis.
TITUS.Ha!Publius,Publius,whathastthoudone?
See,see!thouhastshotoffoneofTaurus’horns.
MARCUS.Thiswasthesport,mylord:whenPubliusshot,
TheBull,beinggall’d,gaveAriessuchaknock
ThatdownfellboththeRam’shornsinthecourt;
Andwhoshouldfindthembuttheempress’villain?
Shelaugh’d,andtoldtheMoor,heshouldnotchoose
Butgivethemtohismasterforapresent.
TITUS.Why,thereitgoes:Godgivehislordshipjoy!
EnteraClown,withabasket,andtwopigeonsinit
News!newsfromheaven!Marcus,thepostiscome.
Sirrah,whattidings?haveyouanyletters?
ShallIhavejustice?whatsaysJupiter?
CLOWN .O!thegibbet-maker?Hesaysthathehathtaken
themdownagain,forthemanmustnotbehangedtill
thenextweek.
TITUS.ButwhatsaysJupiter,Iaskthee?
CLOWN .Alas!sir,IknownotJupiter;Ineverdrankwith
himinallmylife.
TITUS.Why,villain,artnotthouthecarrier?
CLOWN .Ay,ofmypigeons,sir;nothingelse.
TITUS.Why,didstthounotcomefromheaven?
CLOWN .Fromheaven!alas!sir,Inevercamethere.God
forbidIshouldbesoboldtopresstoheaveninmy
youngdays.WhyIamgoingwithmypigeonstothe
tribunalplebs,totakeupamatterofbrawlbetwixtmy
uncleandoneoftheemperial’smen.
MARCUS.Why,sir,thatisasfitascanbetoserveforyour
oration;andlethimdeliverthepigeonstotheemperor
fromyou.
TITUS.Tellme,canyoudeliveranorationtotheemperor
withagrace?
CLOWN .Nay,truly,sir,Icouldneversaygraceinallmy
life.
TITUS.Sirrah,comehither:makenomoreado,
Butgiveyourpigeonstotheemperor:
Bymethoushalthavejusticeathishands.
Hold,hold;meanwhile,here’smoneyforthycharges.
Givemepenandink.
Sirrah,canyouwithagracedeliverasupplication?
CLOWN .Ay,sir.
TITUS.Thenhereisasupplicationforyou.Andwhenyou
cometohim,atthefirstapproachyoumustkneel;then
kisshisfoot;thendeliverupyourpigeons;andthen
lookforyourreward.I’llbeathand,sir;seeyoudoit
bravely.
CLOWN .Iwarrantyou,sir;letmealone.
TITUS.Sirrah,hastthouaknife?Come,letmeseeit.
Here,Marcus,folditintheoration;
Forthouhastmadeitlikeahumblesuppliant:
Andwhenthouhastgivenittotheemperor,
Knockatmydoor,andtellmewhathesays.
CLOWN .Godbewithyou,sir;Iwill.
TITUS.Come,Marcus,letusgo.Publius,followme.
Exeunt
SCENEFOUR
TheSame.BeforethePalace.
EnterSaturninus,Tamora,Demetrius,Chiron,Lords,and
Others:Saturninuswiththearrowsinhishand
thatTitusshotathim
SATURNINUS.Why,lords,whatwrongsarethese!Wasever
seen
AnemperorofRomethusoverborne,
Troubled,confrontedthus;and,fortheextent
Ofegaljustice,us’dinsuchcontempt?
Mylords,youknow,asdothemightfulgods,—
Howeverthesedisturbersofourpeace
Buzzinthepeople’sears,—therenoughthathpass’d,
Butevenwithlaw,againstthewilfulsons
OfoldAndronicus.Andwhatanif
Hissorrowshavesooverwhelm’dhiswits,
Shallwebethusafflictedinhiswreaks,
Hisfits,hisfrenzy,andhisbitterness?
Andnowhewritestoheavenforhisredress:
See,here’stoJove,andthistoMercury;
ThistoApollo;thistothegodofwar;
SweetscrollstoflyaboutthestreetsofRome!
What’sthisbutlibellingagainstthesenate,
Andblazoningourinjusticeeverywhere?
Agoodlyhumour,isitnot,mylords?
Aswhowouldsay,inRomenojusticewere.
ButifIlive,hisfeignedecstasies
Shallbenosheltertotheseoutrages;
Butheandhisshallknowthatjusticelives
InSaturninus’health;whom,ifshesleep,
He’llsoawake,assheinfuryshall
Cutofftheproud’stconspiratorthatlives.
TAMORA.Mygraciouslord,mylovelySaturnine,
Lordofmylife,commanderofmythoughts,
Calmthee,andbearthefaultsofTitus’age,
Theeffectsofsorrowforhisvaliantsons,
Whoselosshathpierc’dhimdeepandscarr ’dhisheart;
Andrathercomforthisdistressedplight
Thanprosecutethemeanestorthebest
Forthesecontempts.—(Aside)Why,thusitshall
become
High-wittedTamoratoglozewithall:
But,Titus,Ihavetouch’dtheetothequick,
Thylife-bloodout:ifAaronnowbewise,
Thenisallsafe,theanchor ’sintheport.
EnterClown
Hownow,goodfellow!wouldstthouspeakwithus?
CLOWN .Yea,forsooth,anyourmistershipbeemperial.
TAMORA.EmpressIam,butyondersitstheemperor.
CLOWN .’Tishe.GodandSaintStephengiveyougoodden.
Ihavebroughtyoualetterandacoupleofpigeonshere.
Saturninusreadstheletter
SATURNINUS.Go,takehimaway,andhanghimpresently.
CLOWN .HowmuchmoneymustIhave?
TAMORA.Come,sirrah,youmustbehanged.
CLOWN .Hanged!By’rlady,thenIhavebroughtupa
necktoafairend.Exit,guarded
SATURNINUS.Despitefulandintolerablewrongs!
ShallIendurethismonstrousvillany?
Iknowfromwhencethissamedeviceproceeds.
Maythisbeborne?Asifhistraitoroussons,
Thatdiedbylawformurderofourbrother,
Havebymymeansbeenbutcher ’dwrongfully!
Go,dragthevillainhitherbythehair;
Noragenorhonourshallshapeprivilege.
ForthisproudmockI’llbethyslaughterman;
Slyfranticwretch,thatholp’sttomakemegreat,
InhopethyselfshouldgovernRomeandme.
EnterÆmilius
Whatnewswiththee,Æmilius?
ÆMILIUS.Arm,arm,mylord!Romeneverhadmorecause.
TheGothshavegather ’dhead,andwithapower
Ofhigh-resolvedmen,benttothespoil,
Theyhithermarchamain,underconduct
OfLucius,sontooldAndronicus;
Whothreats,incourseofthisrevenge,todo
AsmuchaseverCoriolanusdid.
SATURNINUS.IswarlikeLuciusgeneraloftheGoths?
Thesetidingsnipme,andIhangthehead
Asflowerswithfrostorgrassbeatdownwithstorms.
Ay,nowbeginoursorrowstoapproach:
’Tishethecommonpeoplelovesomuch;
Myselfhathoftenheardthemsay,
WhenIhavewalkedlikeaprivateman,
ThatLucius’banishmentwaswrongfully,
Andtheyhavewish’dthatLuciusweretheiremperor.
TAMORA.Whyshouldyoufear?isnotyourcitystrong?
SATURNINUS.Ay,butthecitizensfavourLucius,
Andwillrevoltfrommetosuccourhim.
TAMORA.King,bethythoughtsimperiouslikethyname.
Isthesundimm’d,thatgnatsdoflyinit?
Theeaglesufferslittlebirdstosing,
Andisnotcarefulwhattheymeanthereby,
Knowingthatwiththeshadowofhiswings
Hecanatpleasurestinttheirmelody;
EvensomaystthouthegiddymenofRome.
Thencheerthyspirit;forknow,thouemperor,
IwillenchanttheoldAndronicus
Withwordsmoresweet,andyetmoredangerous,
Thanbaitstofish,orhoney-stalkstosheep,
Whenastheoneiswoundedwiththebait,
Theotherrottedwithdeliciousfeed.
SATURNINUS.Buthewillnotentreathissonforus.
TAMORA.IfTamoraentreathim,thenhewill:
ForIcansmoothandfillhisagedear
Withgoldenpromises,that,werehisheart
Almostimpregnable,hisoldearsdeaf,
Yetshouldbothearandheartobeymytongue.
(ToÆmilius)Gothoubefore,beourambassador:
Saythattheemperorrequestsaparley
OfwarlikeLucius,andappointthemeeting,
Evenathisfather ’shouse,theoldAndronicus.
SATURNINUS.Æmilius,dothismessagehonourably:
Andifhestandonhostageforhissafety,
Bidhimdemandwhatpledgewillpleasehimbest.
ÆMILIUS.YourbiddingshallIdoeffectually.Exit
TAMORA.NowwillItothatoldAndronicus,
AndtemperhimwithalltheartIhave,
TopluckproudLuciusfromthewarlikeGoths.
Andnow,sweetemperor,beblitheagain,
Andburyallthyfearinmydevices.
SATURNINUS.Thengosuccessantly,andpleadtohim.
Exeunt
ACTFIVE
SCENEONE
PlainsnearRome.
Flourish.EnterLucius,andanarmyofGoths,
withdrumsandcolours
LUCIUS.Approvedwarriors,andmyfaithfulfriends,
IhavereceivedlettersfromgreatRome,
Whichsignifywhathatetheybeartheiremperor,
Andhowdesirousofoursighttheyare.
Therefore,greatlords,be,asyourtitleswitness,
Imperiousandimpatientofyourwrongs;
AndwhereinRomehathdoneyouanyscath,
Lethimmaketreblesatisfaction.
FIRSTGOTH.Braveslip,sprungfromthegreatAndronicus,
Whosenamewasonceourterror,nowourcomfort;
Whosehighexploitsandhonourabledeeds
IngratefulRomerequiteswithfoulcontempt,
Beboldinus:we’llfollowwherethoulead’st,
Likestingingbeesinhottestsummer ’sday
Ledbytheirmastertotheflower ’dfields,
Andbeaveng’doncursedTamora.
GOTHS.And,ashesaith,sosayweallwithhim.
LUCIUS.Ihumblythankhim,andIthankyouall.
Butwhocomeshere,ledbyalustyGoth?
EnteraGoth,leadingAaron,withhisChildinhisarms
SECONDGOTH.RenownedLucius,fromourtroopsIstray’d,
Togazeuponaruinousmonastery;
AndasIearnestlydidfixmineeye
Uponthewastedbuilding,suddenly
Iheardachildcryunderneathawall.
Imadeuntothenoise;whensoonIheard
Thecryingbabecontroll’dwiththisdiscourse:
‘Peace,tawnyslave,halfmeandhalfthydam!
Didnotthyhuebewraywhosebratthouart,
Hadnaturelenttheebutthymother ’slook,
Villain,thoumightsthavebeenanemperor:
Butwherethebullandcowarebothmilk-white,
Theyneverdobegetacoal-blackcalf.
Peace,villain,peace!’—eventhusheratesthebabe,—
‘ForImustbeartheetoatrustyGoth;
Who,whenheknowsthouarttheempress’babe,
Willholdtheedearlyforthymother’ssake.’
Withthis,myweapondrawn,Irush’duponhim,
Surpris’dhimsuddenly,andbroughthimhither,
Touseasyouthinkneedfuloftheman.
LUCIUS.OworthyGoth,thisistheincarnatedevil
Thatrobb’dAndronicusofhisgoodhand:
Thisisthepearlthatpleas’dyourempress’eye,
Andhere’sthebasefruitofhisburninglust.
Say,wall-eye’dslave,whitherwouldstthouconvey
Thisgrowingimageofthyfiend-likeface?
Whydostnotspeak?What!deaf?notaword?
Ahalter,soldiers!hanghimonthistree,
Andbyhissidehisfruitofbastardy.
AARON .Touchnottheboy;heisofroyalblood.
LUCIUS.Toolikethesireforeverbeinggood.
Firsthangthechild,thathemayseeitsprawl;
Asighttovexthefather ’ssoulwithal.
Getmealadder.Aladderbrought,
whichAaronismadetoascend
AARON .Lucius,savethechild;
Andbearitfrommetotheempress.
Ifthoudothis,I’llshowtheewondrousthings,
Thathighlymayadvantagetheetohear:
Ifthouwiltnot,befallwhatmaybefall,
I’llspeaknomorebut‘Vengeancerotyouall!’
LUCIUS.Sayon;andifitpleasemewhichthouspeak’st,
Thychildshalllive,andIwillseeitnourish’d.
AARON .Anifitpleasethee!why,assurethee,Lucius,
’TwillvexthysoultohearwhatIshallspeak;
ForImusttalkofmurders,rapes,andmassacres,
Actsofblacknight,abominabledeeds,
Complotsofmischief,treason,villanies
Ruthfultohear,yetpiteouslyperform’d:
Andthisshallallbeburiedbymydeath,
Unlessthousweartomemychildshalllive.
LUCIUS.Tellonthymind:Isay,thychildshalllive.
AARON .Swearthatheshall,andthenIwillbegin.
LUCIUS.WhoshouldIswearby?thoubeliev’stnogod:
Thatgranted,howcanstthoubelieveanoath?
AARON .WhatifIdonot?as,indeed,Idonot;
Yet,forIknowthouartreligious,
Andhastathingwithintheecalledconscience,
Withtwentypopishtricksandceremonies,
WhichIhaveseentheecarefultoobserve,
ThereforeIurgethyoath;forthatIknow
Anidiotholdshisbaubleforagod,
Andkeepstheoathwhichbythatgodheswears,
TothatI’llurgehim:thereforethoushaltvow
Bythatsamegod,whatgodsoe’eritbe,
Thatthouador ’standhastinreverence,
Tosavemyboy,tonourishandbringhimup:
OrelseIwilldiscovernoughttothee.
LUCIUS.EvenbymygodIsweartotheeIwill.
AARON .First,knowthou,Ibegothimontheempress.
LUCIUS.Omostinsatiateandluxuriouswoman!
AARON .Tut!Lucius,thiswasbutadeedofcharity
Tothatwhichthoushalthearofmeanon.
’Twashertwosonsthatmurder ’dBassianus;
Theycutthysister ’stongueandravish’dher,
Andcutherhandsandtrimm’dherasthousaw’st.
LUCIUS.Odetestablevillain!call’stthouthattrimming?
AARON .Why,shewaswash’d,andcut,andtrimm’d,and
’twas
Trimsportforthemthathadthedoingofit.
LUCIUS.Obarbarous,beastlyvillains,likethyself!
AARON .Indeed,Iwastheirtutortoinstructthem.
Thatcoddingspirithadtheyfromtheirmother,
Assureacardaseverwontheset;
Thatbloodymind,Ithink,theylearn’dofme
Astrueadogaseverfoughtathead.
Well,letmydeedsbewitnessofmyworth.
Itrain’dthybrethrentothatguilefulhole
WherethedeadcorpseofBassianuslay;
Iwrotetheletterthatthyfatherfound,
Andhidthegoldwithinthelettermention’d,
Confederatewiththequeenandhertwosons:
Andwhatnotdone,thatthouhastcausetorue,
WhereinIhadnostrokeofmischiefinit?
Iplay’dthecheaterforthyfather ’shand,
And,whenIhadit,drewmyselfapart,
Andalmostbrokemyheartwithextremelaughter.
Ipry’dmethroughthecreviceofawall
When,forhishand,hehadhistwosons’heads;
Beheldhistears,andlaugh’dsoheartily,
Thatbothmineeyeswererainyliketohis:
AndwhenItoldtheempressofthissport,
Sheswoundedalmostatmypleasingtale,
Andformytidingsgavemetwentykisses.
FIRSTGOTH.What!canstthousayallthis,andnever
blush?
AARON .Ay,likeablackdog,asthesayingis.
LUCIUS.Artthounotsorryfortheseheinousdeeds?
AARON .Ay,thatIhadnotdoneathousandmore.
EvennowIcursetheday,andyet,Ithink,
Fewcomewithinthecompassofmycurse,
WhereinIdidnotsomenotoriousill:
Askillaman,orelsedevisehisdeath;
Ravishamaid,orplotthewaytodoit;
Accusesomeinnocent,andforswearmyself;
Setdeadlyenmitybetweentwofriends;
Makepoormen’scattlebreaktheirnecks;
Setfireonbarnsandhay-stacksinthenight,
Andbidtheownersquenchthemwiththeirtears,
OfthaveIdigg’dupdeadmenfromtheirgraves,
Andsetthemuprightattheirdearfriends’doors,
Evenwhentheirsorrowsalmostwereforgot;
Andontheirskins,asonthebarkoftrees,
HavewithmyknifecarvedinRomanletters,
‘Letnotyoursorrowdie,thoughIamdead.’
Tut!Ihavedoneathousanddreadfulthings
Aswillinglyasonewouldkillafly,
Andnothinggrievesmeheartilyindeed
ButthatIcannotdotenthousandmore.
LUCIUS.Bringdownthedevil,forhemustnotdie
Sosweetadeathashangingpresently.
Aaronisbroughtdownfromtheladder
AARON .Iftherebedevils,wouldIwereadevil,
Toliveandburnineverlastingfire,
SoImighthaveyourcompanyinhell,
Buttotormentyouwithmybittertongue!
LUCIUS.Sirs,stophismouth,andlethimspeaknomore.
EnteraGoth
GOTH.Mylord,thereisamessengerfromRome
Desirestobeadmittedtoyourpresence.
LUCIUS.Lethimcomenear.
EnterÆmilius
Welcome,Æmilius!What’sthenewsfromRome?
ÆMILIUS.LordLucius,andyouprincesoftheGoths,
TheRomanemperorgreetsyouallbyme;
And,forheunderstandsyouareinarms,
Hecravesaparleyatyourfather ’shouse,
Willingyoutodemandyourhostages,
Andtheyshallbeimmediatelydeliver ’d.
FIRSTGOTH.Whatsaysourgeneral?
LUCIUS.Æmilius,lettheemperorgivehispledges
UntomyfatherandmyuncleMarcus,
Andwewillcome.Marchaway.Exeunt
SCENETWO
Rome.BeforeTitus’House.
EnterTamora,Demetrius,andChiron,disguised
TAMORA.Thus,inthisstrangeandsadhabiliment,
IwillencounterwithAndronicus,
AndsayIamRevenge,sentfrombelow
Tojoinwithhimandrighthisheinouswrongs.
Knockathisstudy,where,theysay,hekeeps,
Toruminatestrangeplotsofdirerevenge;
Tellhim,Revengeiscometojoinwithhim,
Andworkconfusiononhisenemies.Theyknock
EnterTitus,above
TITUS.Whodothmolestmycontemplation?
Isityourtricktomakemeopethedoor,
Thatsomysaddecreesmayflyaway,
Andallmystudybetonoeffect?
Youaredeceiv’d;forwhatImeantodo,
Seehere,inbloodylinesIhavesetdown;
Andwhatiswrittenshallbeexecuted.
TAMORA.Titus,Iamcometotalkwiththee.
TITUS.No,notaword;howcanIgracemytalk,
Wantingahandtogiveitaction?
Thouhasttheoddsofme;thereforenomore.
TAMORA.Ifthoudidstknowme,thouwouldsttalkwith
me.
TITUS.Iamnotmad;Iknowtheewellenough:
Witnessthiswretchedstump,witnessthesecrimsonlines;
Witnessthesetrenchesmadebygriefandcare;
Witnessthetiringdayandheavynight;
Witnessallsorrow,thatIknowtheewell
Forourproudempress,mightyTamora.
Isnotthycomingformyotherhand?
TAMORA.Know,thousadman,IamnotTamora;
Sheisthyenemy,andIthyfriend:
IamRevenge,sentfromtheinfernalkingdom,
Toeasethegnawingvultureofthymind,
Byworkingwreakfulvengeanceonthyfoes.
Comedown,andwelcomemetothisworld’slight;
Conferwithmeofmurderandofdeath.
There’snotahollowcaveorlurking-place,
Novastobscurityormistyvale,
Wherebloodymurderordetestedrape
Cancouchforfear,butIwillfindthemout;
Andintheirearstellthemmydreadfulname,
Revenge,whichmakesthefouloffenderquake.
TITUS.ArtthouRevenge?andartthousenttome,
Tobeatormenttomineenemies?
TAMORA.Iam;thereforecomedown,andwelcomeme.
TITUS.DomesomeserviceereIcometothee.
Lo,bythysidewhereRapeandMurderstands;
NowgivesomesurancethatthouartRevenge:
Stabthem,ortearthemonthychariot-wheels,
AndthenI’llcomeandbethywaggoner,
Andwhirlalongwiththeeabouttheglobe.
Providetwoproperpalfreys,blackasjet,
Tohalethyvengefulwaggonswiftaway,
Andfindoutmurderersintheirguiltycaves:
Andwhenthycarisloadenwiththeirheads,
Iwilldiscount,andbythewaggon-wheel
Trotlikeaservilefootmanalldaylong,
EvenfromHyperion’srisingintheeast
Untilhisverydownfallinthesea:
AnddaybydayI’lldothisheavytask,
SothoudestroyRapineandMurderthere.
TAMORA.Thesearemyministers,andcomewithme.
TITUS.Arethesethyministers?whataretheycall’d?
TAMORA.RapineandMurder;thereforecalledso,
’Causetheytakevengeanceofsuchkindofmen.
TITUS.GoodLord,howliketheempress’sonstheyare,
Andyoutheempress!butweworldlymen
Havemiserable,mad,mistakingeyes.
OsweetRevenge!nowdoIcometothee;
And,ifonearm’sembracementwillcontentthee,
Iwillembracetheeinitbyandby.Exitabove
TAMORA.Thisclosingwithhimfitshislunacy.
Whate’erIforgetofeedhisbrain-sickfits,
Doyouupholdandmaintaininyourspeeches,
FornowhefirmlytakesmeforRevenge;
And,beingcredulousinthismadthought,
I’llmakehimsendforLuciushisson;
And,whilstIatabanquetholdhimsure,
I’llfindsomecunningpracticeoutofhand
ToscatteranddispersethegiddyGoths,
Or,attheleast,makethemhisenemies.
See,herehecomes,andImustplymytheme.
EnterTitus
TITUS.LonghaveIbeenforlorn,andallforthee:
Welcome,dreadFury,tomywoefulhouse:
RapineandMurder,youarewelcometoo.
Howliketheempressandhersonsyouare!
WellareyoufittedhadyoubutaMoor:
Couldnotallhellaffordyousuchadevil?
ForwellIwottheempressneverwags
ButinhercompanythereisaMoor;
Andwouldyourepresentourqueenaright,
Itwereconvenientyouhadsuchadevil.
Butwelcomeasyouare.Whatshallwedo?
TAMORA.Whatwouldstthouhaveusdo,Andronicus?
DEMETRIUS.Showmeamurderer,I’lldealwithhim.
CHIRON .Showmeavillainthathathdonearape,
AndIamsenttobereveng’donhim.
TAMORA.Showmeathousandthathavedonetheewrong,
AndIwillberevengedonthemall.
TITUS.LookroundaboutthewickedstreetsofRome,
Andwhenthoufind’stamanthat’slikethyself,
GoodMurder,stabhim;he’samurderer.
Gothouwithhim;andwhenitisthyhap
Tofindanotherthatisliketothee,
GoodRapine,stabhim;he’saravisher.
Gothouwiththem;andintheemperor ’scourt
ThereisaqueenattendedbyaMoor;
Wellmaystthouknowherbythyownproportion,
Forupanddownshedothresemblethee:
Ipraythee,doonthemsomeviolentdeath;
Theyhavebeenviolenttomeandmine.
TAMORA.Wellhastthoulesson’dus;thisshallwedo.
Butwoulditpleasethee,goodAndronicus,
TosendforLucius,thythrice-valiantson,
WholeadstowardsRomeabandofwarlikeGoths,
Andbidhimcomeandbanquetatthyhouse:
Whenheishere,evenatthysolemnfeast,
Iwillbringintheempressandhersons,
Theemperorhimself,andallthyfoes,
Andatthymercyshalltheystoopandkneel,
Andonthemshaltthoueasethyangryheart.
WhatsaysAndronicustothisdevice?
TITUS.Marcus,mybrother!’tissadTituscalls.
EnterMarcus
Go,gentleMarcus,tothynephewLucius;
ThoushaltinquirehimoutamongtheGoths:
Bidhimrepairtome,andbringwithhim
SomeofthechiefestprincesoftheGoths;
Bidhimencamphissoldierswheretheyare:
Tellhim,theemperorandtheempresstoo
Feastatmyhouse,andheshallfeastwiththem.
Thisdothouformylove;andsolethim,
Asheregardshisagedfather ’slife.
MARCUS.ThiswillIdo,andsoonreturnagain.Exit
TAMORA.NowwillIhenceaboutthybusiness,
Andtakemyministersalongwithme.
TITUS.Nay,nay,letRapeandMurderstaywithme;
OrelseI’llcallmybrotherbackagain,
AndcleavetonorevengebutLucius.
TAMORA.(Asidetohersons)Whatsayyou,boys?will
youabidewithhim,
WhilesIgotellmylordtheemperor
HowIhavegovern’dourdetermin’djest?
Yieldtohishumour,smoothandspeakhimfair,
AndtarrywithhimtillIturnagain.
TITUS.(Aside)Iknowthemall,thoughtheysupposeme
mad;
Andwillo’er-reachthemintheirowndevices;
Apairofcursedhell-houndsandtheirdam.
DEMETRIUS.(AsidetoTamora)Madam,departatpleasure;
leaveushere.
TAMORA.Farewell,Andronicus:Revengenowgoes
Tolayacomplottobetraythyfoes.ExitTamora
TITUS.Iknowthoudost;and,sweetRevenge,farewell.
CHIRON .Tellus,oldman,howshallwebeemploy’d?
TITUS.Tut!Ihaveworkenoughforyoutodo.
Publius,comehither,Caius,andValentine!
EnterPubliusandOthers
PUBLIUS.Whatisyourwill?
TITUS.Knowyouthesetwo?
PUBLIUS.Theempress’sons,
Itakethem,ChironandDemetrius.
TITUS.Fie,Publius,fie!thouarttoomuchdeceiv’d;
TheoneisMurder,Rapeistheother’sname;
Andthereforebindthem,gentlePublius;
CaiusandValentine,layhandsonthem;
Ofthaveyouheardmewishforsuchanhour,
AndnowIfindit:thereforebindthemsure,
Andstoptheirmouths,iftheybegintocry.
Exit.Publius,&c.,seizeChironandDemetrius
CHIRON .Villains,forbear!wearetheempress’sons.
PUBLIUS.Andthereforedowewhatwearecommanded.
Stopclosetheirmouths,letthemnotspeakaword.
Ishesurebound?lookthatyoubindthemfast.
Re-enterTitus,withLavinia;shebearingabasin,
andheaknife
TITUS.Come,come,Lavinia;look,thyfoesarebound.
Sirs,stoptheirmouths,letthemnotspeaktome,
ButletthemhearwhatfearfulwordsIutter.
Ovillains,ChironandDemetrius!
Herestandsthespringwhomyouhavestain’dwithmud,
Thisgoodlysummerwithyourwintermix’d.
Youkill’dherhusband,andforthatvilefault
Twoofherbrotherswerecondemn’dtodeath,
Myhandcutoffandmadeamerryjest:
Bothhersweethands,hertongue,andthatmoredear
Thanhandsortongue,herspotlesschastity,
Inhumantraitors,youconstrain’dandforc’d.
WhatwouldyousayifIshouldletyouspeak?
Villains!forshameyoucouldnotbegforgrace.
Hark,wretches!howImeantomartyryou.
Thisonehandyetislefttocutyourthroats,
WhilstthatLavinia’tweenherstumpsdothhold
Thebasinthatreceivesyourguiltyblood.
Youknowyourmothermeanstofeastwithme,
AndcallsherselfRevenge,andthinksmemad.
Hark!villains,Iwillgrindyourbonestodust,
AndwithyourbloodanditI’llmakeapaste;
AndofthepasteacoffinIwillrear,
Andmaketwopastiesofyourshamefulheads;
Andbidthatstrumpet,yourunhallow’ddam,
Liketotheearthswallowherownincrease.
ThisisthefeastthatIhavebidherto,
Andthisthebanquetsheshallsurfeiton;
ForworsethanPhilomelyouus’dmydaughter,
AndworsethanProcneIwillbereveng’d.
Andnowprepareyourthroats.Lavinia,come.
Hecutstheirthroats
Receivetheblood:andwhenthattheyaredead,
Letmegogrindtheirbonestopowdersmall,
Andwiththishatefulliquortemperit;
Andinthatpastelettheirvileheadsbebak’d.
Come,come,beeveryoneofficious
Tomakethisbanquet,whichIwishmayprove
MoresternandbloodythantheCentaurs’feast.
So,nowbringthemin,forIwillplaythecook,
Andseethemready’gainsttheirmothercomes.
Exeunt,bearingthedeadbodies
SCENETHREE
TheSame.CourtofTitus’House.Abanquetsetout.
EnterLucius,Marcus,andGoths,withAaronprisoner
LUCIUS.UncleMarcus,sinceitismyfather ’smind
ThatIrepairtoRome,Iamcontent.
FIRSTGOTH.Andourswiththine,befallwhatfortunewill.
LUCIUS.Gooduncle,takeyouinthisbarbarousMoor,
Thisravenoustiger,thisaccurseddevil;
Lethimreceivenosustenance,fetterhim,
Tillhebebroughtuntotheempress’face,
Fortestimonyofherfoulproceedings:
Andseetheambushofourfriendsbestrong;
Ifeartheemperormeansnogoodtous.
AARON .Somedevilwhispercursesinmineear,
Andpromptme,thatmytonguemayutterforth
Thevenomousmaliceofmyswellingheart!
LUCIUS.Away,inhumandog!unhallow’dslave!
Sirs,helpouruncletoconveyhimin.
ExeuntGoths,withAaron.Trumpetssound
Thetrumpetsshowtheemperorisathand.
EnterSaturninusandTamora,withÆmilius,
Senators,Tribunes,andOthers
SATURNINUS.What!haththefirmamentmoresunsthan
one?
LUCIUS.Whatbootsitthee,tocallthyselfasun?
MARCUS.Rome’semperor,andnephew,breaktheparle;
Thesequarrelsmustbequietlydebated.
ThefeastisreadywhichthecarefulTitus
Hathordain’dtoanhonourableend,
Forpeace,forlove,forleague,andgoodtoRome:
Pleaseyou,therefore,drawnigh,andtakeyourplaces.
SATURNINUS.Marcus,wewill.
Atableisbroughtin.Hautboyssound
EnterTitus,dressedlikeacook,Lavinia,veiled,young
Lucius,andOthers.Titusplacesthedishesonthetable
TITUS.Welcome,mygraciouslord;welcome,dreadqueen;
Welcome,yewarlikeGoths;welcome,Lucius;
Andwelcomeall.Althoughthecheerbepoor,
’Twillfillyourstomachs;pleaseyoueatofit.
SATURNINUS.Whyartthouthusattir ’d,Andronicus?
TITUS.BecauseIwouldbesuretohaveallwell
Toentertainyourhighness,andyourempress.
TAMORA.Wearebeholdingtoyou,goodAndronicus.
TITUS.Anifyourhighnessknewmyheart,youwere.
Mylordtheemperor,resolvemethis:
WasitwelldoneofrashVirginius
Toslayhisdaughterwithhisownrighthand,
Becauseshewasenforced,stain’d,anddeflower ’d?
SATURNINUS.Itwas,Andronicus.
TITUS.Yourreason,mightylord?
SATURNINUS.Becausethegirlshouldnotsurviveher
shame,
Andbyherpresencestillrenewhissorrows.
TITUS.Areasonmighty,strong,andeffectual;
Apattern,precedent,andlivelywarrant,
Formemostwretched,toperformthelike.
Die,die,Lavinia,andthyshamewiththee;
Andwiththyshamethyfather ’ssorrowdie!
KillsLavinia
SATURNINUS.Whathastthoudone,unnaturalandunkind?
TITUS.Kill’dher,forwhommytearshavemademeblind.
IamaswoefulasVirginiuswas,
Andhaveathousandtimesmorecausethanhe
Todothisoutrage:anditisnowdone.
SATURNINUS.What!wassheravish’d?tellwhodidthedeed.
TITUS.Will’tpleaseyoueat?will’tpleaseyourhighness
feed?
TAMORA.Whyhastthouslainthineonlydaughterthus?
TITUS.NotI;t’wasChironandDemetrius:
Theyravish’dher,andcutawayhertongue:
andthey,’twasthey,thatdidherallthiswrong.
SATURNINUS.Gofetchthemhithertouspresently.
TITUS.Why,theretheyareboth,bakedinthatpie;
Whereoftheirmotherdaintilyhathfed,
Eatingthefleshthatsheherselfhathbred.
’Tistrue,’tistrue;witnessmyknife’ssharppoint.
KillsTamora
SATURNINUS.Die,franticwretch,forthisaccurseddeed!
KillsTitus
LUCIUS.Cantheson’seyebeholdhisfatherbleed?
There’smeedformeed,deathforadeadlydeed!
KillsSaturninus.Agreat
tumult.Thepeopleinconfusiondisperse.
Marcus,Lucius,andtheirpartisans,goupintothebalcony
MARCUS.Yousad-fac’dmen,peopleandsonsofRome,
Byuproarsever ’d,likeaflightoffowl
Scatter ’dbywindsandhightempestuousgusts,
O!letmeteachyouhowtoknitagain
Thisscatter ’dcornintoonemutualsheaf,
Thesebrokenlimbsagainintoonebody;
LestRomeherselfbebaneuntoherself,
Andshewhommightykingdomscurtsyto,
Likeaforlornanddesperatecastaway,
Doshamefulexecutiononherself.
Butifmyfrostysignsandchapsofage,
Gravewitnessesoftrueexperience,
Cannotinduceyoutoattendmywords,
(ToLucius)Speak,Rome’sdearfriend,aserstour
ancestor,
Whenwithhissolemntonguehediddiscourse
Tolove-sickDido’ssadattendingear
Thestoryofthatbalefulburningnight
WhensubtleGreekssurpris’dKingPriam’sTroy;
TelluswhatSinonhathbewitch’dourears,
Orwhohathbroughtthefatalenginein
ThatgivesourTroy,ourRome,thecivilwound.
Myheartisnotcompactofflintnorsteel,
NorcanIutterallourbittergrief,
Butfloodsoftearswilldrownmyoratory,
Andbreakmyveryutterance,eveninthetime
Whenitshouldmoveyoutoattendmemost,
Lendingyourkindcommiseration.
Hereisacaptain,lethimtellthetale;
Yourheartswillthrobandweeptohearhimspeak.
LUCIUS.Then,nobleauditory,beitknowntoyou,
ThatcursedChironandDemetrius
Weretheythatmurderedouremperor ’sbrother;
Andtheyitwasthatravishedoursister.
Fortheirfellfaultsourbrotherswerebeheaded,
Ourfather ’stearsdespis’d,andbaselycozen’d
OfthattruehandthatfoughtRome’squarrelout,
Andsentherenemiesuntothegrave:
Lastly,myselfunkindlybanished,
Thegatesshutonme,andturn’dweepingout,
TobegreliefamongRome’senemies;
Whodrown’dtheirenmityinmytruetears,
Andop’dtheirarmstoembracemeasafriend:
AndIamtheturn’dforth,beitknowntoyou,
Thathavepreserv’dherwelfareinmyblood,
Andfromherbosomtooktheenemy’spoint,
Sheathingthesteelinmyadventurousbody.
Alas!youknowIamnovaunter,I;
Myscarscanwitness,dumbalthoughtheyare,
Thatmyreportisjustandfulloftruth.
But,soft!methinksIdodigresstoomuch,
Citingmyworthlesspraise:O!pardonme;
Forwhennofriendsareby,menpraisethemselves.
MARCUS.Nowismyturntospeak.Beholdthischild;
IndicatesChildinthearmsofanAttendant
OfthiswasTamoradelivered,
TheissueofanirreligiousMoor,
Chiefarchitectandplotterofthesewoes.
ThevillainisaliveinTitus’house,
Damn’dasheis,towitnessthisistrue.
NowjudgewhatcausehadTitustorevenge
Thesewrongs,unspeakable,pastpatience,
Ormorethananylivingmancouldbear.
Nowyouhaveheardthetruth,whatsayyou,Romans?
Havewedoneaughtamiss,showuswherein,
And,fromtheplacewhereyoubeholdusnow,
ThepoorremainderofAndronici
Will,handinhand,allheadlongcastusdown,
Andontheraggedstonesbeatforthourbrains,
Andmakeamutualclosureofourhouse.
Speak,Romans,speak!andifyousayweshall,
Lo!handinhand,LuciusandIwillfall.
ÆMILIUS.Come,come,thoureverendmanofRome,
Andbringouremperor,gentlyinthyhand,
Lucius,ouremperor;forwellIknow
Thecommonvoicedocryitshallbeso.
ROMANS.Lucius,allhail!Rome’sroyalemperor!
MARCUS.(ToAttendants)Go,gointooldTitus’sorrowful
house,
AndhitherhalethatmisbelievingMoor,
Tobeadjudg’dsomedirefulslaughteringdeath,
Aspunishmentforhismostwickedlife.
ExeuntAttendants
Lucius,Marcus,andtheOthersdescend
ROMANS.Lucius,allhail!Rome’sgraciousgovernor!
LUCIUS.Thanks,gentleRomans:mayIgovernso,
TohealRome’sharms,andwipeawayherwoe!
But,gentlepeople,givemeaimawhile,
Fornatureputsmetoaheavytask.
Standallaloof;but,uncle,drawyounear,
Toshedobsequioustearsuponthistrunk.
O!takethiswarmkissonthypalecoldlips,
KissesTitus
Thesesorrowfuldropsuponthyblood-stain’dface,
Thelasttruedutiesofthynobleson!
MARCUS.Tearfortear,andlovingkissforkiss,
ThybrotherMarcustendersonthylips:
O!werethesumofthesethatIshouldpay
Countlessandinfinite,yetwouldIpaythem.
LUCIUS.Comehither,boy;come,come,andlearnofus
Tomeltinshowers:thygrandsirelov’dtheewell:
Manyatimehedanc’dtheeonhisknee,
Sungtheeasleep,hislovingbreastthypillow;
Manyamatterhathhetoldtothee,
Meetandagreeingwiththineinfancy;
Inthatrespect,then,likealovingchild,
Shedyetsomesmalldropsfromthytenderspring,
Becausekindnaturedothrequireitso:
Friendsshouldassociatefriendsingriefandwoe.
Bidhimfarewell;commithimtothegrave;
Dohimthatkindness,andtakeleaveofhim.
BOY.Ograndsire,grandsire!evenwithallmyheart
WouldIweredead,soyoudidliveagain.
OLord!Icannotspeaktohimforweeping;
MytearswillchokemeifIopemymouth.
Re-enterAttendants,withAaron
FIRSTROMAN .YousadAndronici,havedonewithwoes:
Givesentenceonthisexecrablewretch,
Thathathbeenbreederofthesedireevents.
LUCIUS.Sethimbreast-deepinearth,andfamishhim;
Therelethimstand,andrave,andcryforfood:
Ifanyonerelievesorpitieshim,
Fortheoffencehedies.Thisisourdoom:
Somestaytoseehimfasten’dintheearth.
AARON .O!whyshouldwrathbemute,andfurydumb?
Iamnobaby,I,thatwithbaseprayers
IshouldrepenttheevilsIhavedone.
TenthousandworsethaneveryetIdid
WouldIperform,ifImighthavemywill:
IfonegooddeedinallmylifeIdid,
Idorepentitfrommyverysoul.
LUCIUS.Somelovingfriendsconveytheemperorhence,
Andgivehimburialinhisfather ’sgrave.
MyfatherandLaviniashallforthwith
Beclosedinourhousehold’smonument.
Asforthatheinoustiger,Tamora,
Nofuneralrite,normaninmournfulweeds,
Nomournfulbellshallringherburial;
Butthrowherforthtobeastsandbirdsofprey.
Herlifewasbeast-like,anddevoidofpity;
And,beingso,shallhavelikewantofpity.
SeejusticedoneonAaron,thatdamn’dMoor,
Bywhomourheavyhapshadtheirbeginning:
Then,afterwards,toorderwellthestate,
Thatlikeeventsmayne’eritruinate.Exeunt
ROMEOANDJULIET
CASTOFCHARACTERS
ESCALUS,PrinceofVerona
PARIS,ayoungNobleman,KinsmantothePrince
MONTAGUE
HeadsoftwoHousesatvariance
witheachother
CAPULET
UncletoCapulet
ROMEO,sontoMontague
MERCUTIO,KinsmantothePrince
BENVOLIO,NephewtoMontague
T YBALT,NephewtoLadyCapulet
FRIARLAURENCE,aFranciscan
FRIARJOHN ,ofthesameOrder
BALTHASAR,ServanttoRomeo
SAMPSON
ServantstoCapulet
GREGORY
PETER,ServanttoJuliet’sNurse
ABRAHAM ,ServanttoMontague
AnApothecary
ThreeMusicians
Friends
toRomeo
PagetoMercutio;PagetoParis;anotherPage;an
Officer
LADYMONTAGUE,WifetoMontague
LADYCAPULET,WifetoCapulet
JULIET,DaughtertoCapulet
NursetoJuliet
Chorus
CitizensofVerona;maleandfemaleKinsfolkto
bothHouses;Maskers,Guards,Watchmen,and
Attendants
SCENE
Verona;atMantua
PROLOGUE
EnterChorus
CHORUS.Twohouseholds,bothalikeindignity,
InfairVerona,wherewelayourscene,
Fromancientgrudgebreaktonewmutiny,
Wherecivilbloodmakescivilhandsunclean.
Fromforththefatalloinsofthesetwofoes
Apairofstar-cross’dloverstaketheirlife;
Whosemisadventur ’dpiteousoverthrows
Dowiththeirdeathburytheirparents’strife.
Thefearfulpassageoftheirdeath-mark’dlove,
Andthecontinuanceoftheirparents’rage,
Which,buttheirchildren’send,noughtcouldremove,
Isnowthetwohours’traffickofourstage;
Thewhichifyouwithpatientearsattend,
Whathereshallmiss,ourtoilshallstrivetomend.Exit
ACTONE
SCENEONE
Verona.APublicPlace.
EnterSampsonandGregory,armedwith
swordsandbucklers
SAMPSON .Gregory,o’myword,we’llnotcarrycoals.
GREGORY.No,forthenweshouldbecolliers.
SAMPSON .Imean,anwebeincholer,we’lldraw.
GREGORY.Ay,whileyoulive,drawyourneckouto’the
collar.
SAMPSON .Istrikequickly,beingmoved.
GREGORY.Butthouartnotquicklymovedtostrike.
SAMPSON .AdogofthehouseofMontaguemovesme.
GREGORY.Tomoveistostir,andtobevaliantistostand;
therefore,ifthouartmoved,thourunnestaway.
SAMPSON .Adogofthathouseshallmovemetostand:I
willtakethewallofanymanormaidofMontague’s.
GREGORY.Thatshowstheeaweakslave;fortheweakest
goestothewall.
SAMPSON .’Tistrue;andthereforewomen,beingthe
weakervessels,areeverthrusttothewall:thereforeI
willpushMontague’smenfromthewall,andthrusthis
maidstothewall.
GREGORY.Thequarrelisbetweenourmastersandustheir
men.
SAMPSON .’Tisallone,Iwillshowmyselfatyrant:when
Ihavefoughtwiththemen,Iwillbecruelwiththe
maids;Iwillcutofftheirheads.
GREGORY.Theheadsofthemaids?
SAMPSON .Ay,theheadsofthemaids,ortheirmaiden-
heads;takeitinwhatsensethouwilt.
GREGORY.Theymusttakeitinsensethatfeelit.
SAMPSON .MetheyshallfeelwhileIamabletostand;and
’tisknownIamaprettypieceofflesh.
GREGORY.’Tiswellthouartnotfish;ifthouhadst,thou
hadstbeenpoorJohn.Drawthytool;herecomestwoof
thehouseoftheMontagues.
EnterAbrahamandBalthasar
SAMPSON .Mynakedweaponisout;quarrel,Iwillback
thee.
GREGORY.How!turnthybackandrun?
SAMPSON .Fearmenot.
GREGORY.No,marry;Ifearthee!
SAMPSON .Letustakethelawofoursides;letthembegin.
GREGORY.IwillfrownasIpassby,andletthemtakeitas
theylist.
SAMPSON .Nay,astheydare.Iwillbitemythumbatthem;
whichisadisgracetothem,iftheybearit.
ABRAHAM .Doyoubiteyourthumbatus,sir?
SAMPSON .Idobitemythumb,sir.
ABRAHAM .Doyoubiteyourthumbatus,sir?
SAMPSON .(AsidetoGregory)IsthelawofoursideifIsay
ay?
GREGORY.(AsidetoSampson)No.
SAMPSON .No,sir,Idonotbitemythumbatyou,sir;but
Ibitemythumb,sir.
GREGORY.Doyouquarrel,sir?
ABRAHAM .Quarrel,sir!no,sir.
SAMPSON .Ifyoudo,sir,Iamforyou:Iserveasgooda
manasyou.
ABRAHAM .Nobetter.
SAMPSON .Well,sir.
GREGORY.(AsidetoSampson)Say‘better ’;herecomesone
ofmymaster ’skinsmen.
SAMPSON .Yes,better,sir.
ABRAHAM .Youlie.
SAMPSON .Draw,ifyoubemen.Gregory,rememberthy
swashingblow.Theyfight
EnterBenvolio
BENVOLIO.Part,fools!
Putupyourswords;youknownotwhatyoudo.
Beatsdowntheirswords
EnterTybalt
TYBALT.What!artthoudrawnamongtheseheartlesshinds?
Turnthee,Benvolio,lookuponthydeath.
BENVOLIO.Idobutkeepthepeace:putupthysword,
Ormanageittopartthesemenwithme.
TYBALT.What!drawn,andtalkofpeace?Ihatetheword,
AsIhatehell,allMontagues,andthee.
Haveatthee,coward!Theyfight
Enterseveralpersonsofbothhouses,whojointhefray;
thenenterCitizens,withclubsandpartisans
CITIZENS.Clubs,bills,andpartisans!strike!beatthem
down!
DownwiththeCapulets!downwithMontagues!
EnterCapuletinhisgown,andLadyCapulet
CAPULET.Whatnoiseisthis?Givememylongsword,ho!
LADYCAPULET.Acrutch,acrutch!Whycallyoufora
sword?
CAPULET.Mysword,Isay!OldMontagueiscome,
Andflourisheshisbladeinspiteofme.
EnterMontagueandLadyMontague
MONTAGUE.ThouvillainCapulet!Holdmenot;letmego.
LADYMONTAGUE.Thoushaltnotstironefoottoseekafoe.
EnterPrincewithhisTrain
PRINCE.Rebellioussubjects,enemiestopeace,
Profanersofthisneighbour-stainedsteel,—
Willtheynothear?Whatho!youmen,youbeasts,
Thatquenchthefireofyourperniciousrage
Withpurplefountainsissuingfromyourveins,
Onpainoftorture,fromthosebloodyhands
Throwyourmis-temper ’dweaponstotheground,
Andhearthesentenceofyourmovedprince.
Threecivilbrawls,bredofanairyword,
Bythee,oldCapulet,andMontague,
Havethricedisturb’dthequietofourstreets,
AndmadeVerona’sancientcitizens
Castbytheirgravebeseemingornaments,
Towieldoldpartisans,inhandsasold,
Canker ’dwithpeace,topartyourcanker ’dhate.
Ifeveryoudisturbourstreetsagain
Yourlivesshallpaytheforfeitofthepeace.
Forthistime,alltherestdepartaway:
You,Capulet,shallgoalongwithme;
And,Montague,comeyouthisafternoon
Toknowourfurtherpleasureinthiscase,
TooldFree-town,ourcommonjudgment-place.
Oncemore,onpainofdeath,allmendepart.
ExeuntallbutMontague,
LadyMontague,andBenvolio
MONTAGUE.Whosetthisancientquarrelnewabroach?
Speak,nephew,wereyoubywhenitbegan?
BENVOLIO.Hereweretheservantsofyouradversary
AndyoursclosefightingereIdidapproach:
Idrewtopartthem;intheinstantcame
ThefieryTybalt,withhisswordprepar ’d,
Which,ashebreath’ddefiancetomyears,
Heswungabouthishead,andcutthewinds,
Who,nothinghurtwithal,hiss’dhiminscorn.
Whilewewereinterchangingthrustsandblows,
Camemoreandmore,andfoughtonpartandpart,
Tilltheprincecame,whopartedeitherpart.
LADYMONTAGUE.O!whereisRomeo?sawyouhimto-day?
RightgladIamhewasnotatthisfray.
BENVOLIO.Madam,anhourbeforetheworshipp’dsun
Peer ’dforththegoldenwindowoftheeast,
Atroubledminddravemetowalkabroad;
Where,underneaththegroveofsycamore
Thatwestwardrootethfromthecity’sside,
SoearlywalkingdidIseeyourson:
TowardshimImade;buthewaswareofme,
Andstoleintothecovertofthewood:
I,measuringhisaffectionsbymyown,
Thatmostarebusiedwhenthey’remostalone,
Pursu’dmyhumournotpursuinghis,
Andgladlyshunn’dwhogladlyfledfromme.
MONTAGUE.Manyamorninghathhetherebeenseen,
Withtearsaugmentingthefreshmorning’sdew,
Addingtocloudsmorecloudswithhisdeepsighs:
Butallsosoonastheall-cheeringsun
Shouldinthefurthesteastbegintodraw
TheshadycurtainsfromAurora’sbed,
Awayfromlightstealshomemyheavyson,
Andprivateinhischamberpenshimself,
Shutsuphiswindows,locksfairdaylightout,
Andmakeshimselfanartificialnight.
Blackandportentousmustthishumourprove
Unlessgoodcounselmaythecauseremove.
BENVOLIO.Mynobleuncle,doyouknowthecause?
MONTAGUE.Ineitherknowitnorcanlearnofhim.
BENVOLIO.Haveyouimportun’dhimbyanymeans?
MONTAGUE.Bothbymyselfandmanyotherfriends:
Buthe,hisownaffections’counsellor,
Istohimself,Iwillnotsayhowtrue,
Buttohimselfsosecretandsoclose,
Sofarfromsoundinganddiscovery,
Asisthebudbitwithanenviousworm,
Erehecanspreadhissweetleavestotheair,
Ordedicatehisbeautytothesun.
Couldwebutlearnfromwhencehissorrowsgrow,
Wewouldaswillinglygivecureasknow.
BENVOLIO.Seewherehecomes:sopleaseyou,stepaside;
I’llknowhisgrievance,orbemuchdenied.
MONTAGUE.Iwouldthouwertsohappybythystay,
Toheartrueshrift.Come,madam,let’saway.
ExeuntMontagueandLady
EnterRomeo
BENVOLIO.Good-morrow,cousin.
ROMEO.Isthedaysoyoung?
BENVOLIO.Butnewstrucknine.
ROMEO.Ayme!sadhoursseemlong.
Wasthatmyfatherthatwenthencesofast?
BENVOLIO.Itwas.WhatsadnesslengthensRomeo’shours?
ROMEO.Nothavingthat,whichhaving,makesthemshort.
BENVOLIO.Inlove?
ROMEO.Out—
BENVOLIO.Oflove?
ROMEO.Outofherfavour,whereIaminlove.
BENVOLIO.Alas!thatlove,sogentleinhisview,
Shouldbesotyrannousandroughinproof.
ROMEO.Alas!thatlove,whoseviewismuffledstill,
Should,withouteyes,seepathwaystohiswill.
Whereshallwedine?Ome!Whatfraywashere?
Yettellmenot,forIhavehearditall.
Here’smuchtodowithhate,butmorewithlove.
Whythen,Obrawlinglove!Olovinghate!
Oanything!ofnothingfirstcreate.
Oheavylightness!seriousvanity!
Mis-shapenchaosofwell-seemingforms!
Featheroflead,brightsmoke,coldfire,sickhealth!
Still-wakingsleep,thatisnotwhatitis!
ThislovefeelI,thatfeelnoloveinthis.
Dostthounotlaugh?
BENVOLIO.No,coz,Iratherweep.
ROMEO.Goodheart,atwhat?
BENVOLIO.Atthygoodheart’soppression.
ROMEO.Why,suchislove’stransgression.
Griefsofmineownlieheavyinmybreast,
Whichthouwiltpropagatetohaveitpress’d
Withmoreofthine:thislovethatthouhastshown
Dothaddmoregrieftotoomuchofmineown.
Loveisasmokerais’dwiththefumeofsighs;
Beingpurg’d,afiresparklinginlovers’eyes;
Beingvex’d,aseanourish’dwithlovers’tears:
Whatisitelse?amadnessmostdiscreet,
Achokinggall,andapreservingsweet.
Farewell,mycoz.Going
BENVOLIO.Soft,Iwillgoalong;
Anifyouleavemeso,youdomewrong.
ROMEO.Tut!Ihavelostmyself;Iamnothere;
ThisisnotRomeo,he’ssomeotherwhere.
BENVOLIO.Tellmeinsadness,whoisthatyoulove.
ROMEO.What!shallIgroanandtellthee?
BENVOLIO.Groan!why,no;
Butsadlytellmewho.
ROMEO.Bidasickmaninsadnessmakehiswill;
Ah!wordillurg’dtoonethatissoill.
Insadness,cousin,Idoloveawoman.
BENVOLIO.Iaim’dsonearwhenIsuppos’dyoulov’d.
ROMEO.Arightgoodmark-man!Andshe’sfairIlove.
BENVOLIO.Arightfairmark,faircoz,issoonesthit.
ROMEO.Well,inthathityoumiss:she’llnotbehit
WithCupid’sarrow;shehathDian’swit;
And,instrongproofofchastitywellarm’d,
Fromlove’sweakchildishbowshelivesunharm’d.
Shewillnotstaythesiegeoflovingterms,
Norbidetheencounterofassailingeyes,
Noropeherlaptosaint-seducinggold:
O!sheisrichinbeauty;onlypoor
That,whenshedies,withbeautydiesherstore.
BENVOLIO.Thenshehathswornthatshewillstilllive
chaste?
ROMEO.Shehath,andinthatsparingmakeshugewaste;
Forbeauty,starv’dwithherseverity,
Cutsbeautyofffromallposterity.
Sheistoofair,toowise,wiselytoofair,
Tomeritblissbymakingmedespair:
Shehathforsworntolove,andinthatvow
DoIlivedeadthatlivetotellitnow.
BENVOLIO.Berul’dbyme;forgettothinkofher.
ROMEO.O!teachmehowIshouldforgettothink.
BENVOLIO.Bygivinglibertyuntothineeyes:
Examineotherbeauties.
ROMEO.’Tistheway
Tocallhersexquisite,inquestionmore.
Thesehappymasksthatkissfairladies’brows
Beingblackputusinmindtheyhidethefair:
He,thatisstruckenblindcannotforget
Theprecioustreasureofhiseyesightlost:
Showmeamistressthatispassingfair,
Whatdothherbeautyservebutasanote
WhereImayreadwhopass’dthatpassingfair?
Farewell:thoucanstnotteachmetoforget.
BENVOLIO.I’llpaythatdoctrine,orelsedieindebt.
Exeunt
SCENETWO
AStreet.
EnterCapulet,Paris,andServant
CAPULET.ButMontagueisboundaswellasI,
Inpenaltyalike;and’tisnothard,Ithink,
Formensooldaswetokeepthepeace.
PARIS.Ofhonourablereckoningareyouboth;
Andpity’tisyouliv’datoddssolong.
Butnow,mylord,whatsayyoutomysuit?
CAPULET.Butsayingo’erwhatIhavesaidbefore:
Mychildisyetastrangerintheworld,
Shehathnotseenthechangeoffourteenyears;
Lettwomoresummerswitherintheirpride
Erewemaythinkherripetobeabride.
PARIS.Youngerthanshearehappymothersmade.
CAPULET.Andtoosoonmarr ’darethosesoearlymade.
Earthhathswallow’dallmyhopesbutshe,
Sheisthehopefulladyofmyearth:
Butwooher,gentleParis,getherheart,
Mywilltoherconsentisbutapart;
Ansheagree,withinherscopeofchoice
Liesmyconsentandfairaccordingvoice.
ThisnightIholdanoldaccustom’dfeast,
WheretoIhaveinvitedmanyaguest
SuchasIlove;andyou,amongthestore,
Oncemore,mostwelcome,makesmynumbermore.
Atmypoorhouselooktobeholdthisnight
Earth-treadingstarsthatmakedarkheavenlight:
Suchcomfortasdolustyyoungmenfeel
Whenwell-apparell’dAprilontheheel
Oflimpingwintertreads,evensuchdelight
Amongfreshfemalebudsshallyouthisnight
Inheritatmyhouse;hearall,allsee,
Andlikehermostwhosemeritmostshallbe:
Whichonmoreview,ofmanyminebeingone
Maystandinnumber,thoughinreckoningnone.
Come,gowithme.(ToServant,givinghimapaper)Go,
sirrah,trudgeabout
ThroughfairVerona;findthosepersonsout
Whosenamesarewrittenthere,andtothemsay,
Myhouseandwelcomeontheirpleasurestay.
ExeuntCapuletandParis
SERVANT.Findthemoutwhosenamesarewrittenhere!
Itiswrittenthattheshoemakershouldmeddlewithhis
yard,andthetailorwithhislast,thefisherwithhispencil,andthepainterwithhisnets;butIamsenttofind
thosepersons,whosenamesareherewrit,andcannever
findwhatnamesthewritingpersonhathherewrit.I
musttothelearned.Ingoodtime.
EnterBenvolioandRomeo
BENVOLIO.Tut!man,onefireburnsoutanother’sburning.
Onepainislessen’dbyanother ’sanguish;
Turngiddy,andbeholpbybackwardturning;
Onedesperategriefcureswithanother ’slanguish:
Takethousomenewinfectiontothyeye,
Andtherankpoisonoftheoldwilldie.
ROMEO.Yourplantainleafisexcellentforthat.
BENVOLIO.Forwhat,Ipraythee?
ROMEO.Foryourbrokenshin.
BENVOLIO.Why,Romeo,artthoumad?
ROMEO.Notmad,butboundmorethanamadmanis;
Shutupinprison,keptwithoutmyfood,
Whipp’dandtormented,and—Goodden,goodfellow.
SERVANT.Godgi’goodden.Ipray,sir,canyouread?
ROMEO.Ay,mineownfortuneinmymisery.
SERVANT.Perhapsyouhavelearn’ditwithoutbook:but,I
pray,canyoureadanythingyousee?
ROMEO.Ay,ifIknowthelettersandthelanguage.
SERVANT.Yesayhonestly;restyoumerry!Offeringtogo
ROMEO.Stay,fellow;Icanread.(Hereads)‘SigniorMar-
tinoandhiswifeanddaughters;CountyAnselmeand
hisbeauteoussisters;theladywidowofVitruvio;SigniorPlacentio,andhislovelynieces;Mercutioandhis
brotherValentine;mineuncleCapulet,hiswifeand
daughters;myfairnieceRosaline;Livia;SigniorValentio
andhiscousinTybalt;LucioandthelivelyHelena.’
Afairassembly:whithershouldtheycome?
SERVANT.Up.
ROMEO.Whither?
SERVANT.Tosupper;toourhouse.
ROMEO.Whosehouse?
SERVANT.Mymaster ’s.
ROMEO.Indeed,Ishouldhaveaskedyouthatbefore.
SERVANT.NowI’lltellyouwithoutasking.Mymasteris
thegreatrichCapulet;andifyoubenotofthehouseof
Montagues,Ipray,comeandcrushacupofwine.Rest
youmerry!Exit
BENVOLIO.AtthissameancientfeastofCapulet’s,
SupsthefairRosaline,whomthousolov’st,
WithalltheadmiredbeautiesofVerona:
Gothither;and,withunattaintedeye,
CompareherfacewithsomethatIshallshow,
AndIwillmaketheethinkthyswanacrow.
ROMEO.Whenthedevoutreligionofmineeye
Maintainssuchfalsehood,thenturntearstofires!
Andthese,whooftendrown’dcouldneverdie,
Transparentheretics,beburntforliars!
Onefairerthanmylove!theall-seeingsun
Ne’ersawhermatchsincefirsttheworldbegun.
BENVOLIO.Tut!yousawherfair,noneelsebeingby,
Herselfpois’dwithherselfineithereye;
Butinthatcrystalscaleslettherebeweigh’d
Yourlady’sloveagainstsomeothermaid
ThatIwillshowyoushiningatthisfeast,
Andsheshallscantshowwellthatnowshowsbest.
ROMEO.I’llgoalong,nosuchsighttobeshown,
Buttorejoiceinsplendourofmineown.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
ARoominCapulet’sHouse.
EnterLadyCapuletandNurse
LADYCAPULET.Nurse,where’smydaughter?Callherforth
tome.
NURSE.Now,bymymaidenhead,attwelveyearold,
Ibadehercome.What,lamb!what,lady-bird!
Godforbid!where’sthisgirl?what,Juliet!
EnterJuliet
JULIET.Hownow!whocalls?
NURSE.Yourmother.
JULIET.Madam,Iamhere.
Whatisyourwill?
LADYCAPULET.Thisisthematter.Nurse,giveleaveawhile.
Wemusttalkinsecret:nurse,comebackagain;
Ihaveremember ’dme,thou’shearourcounsel.
Thouknow’stmydaughter’sofaprettyage.
NURSE.Faith,Icantellherageuntoanhour.
LADYCAPULET.She’snotfourteen.
NURSE.I’lllayfourteenofmyteeth—
AndyettomyteenbeitspokenIhavebutfour—
Sheisnotfourteen.Howlongisitnow
ToLammas-tide?
LADYCAPULET.Afortnightandodddays.
NURSE.Evenorodd,ofalldaysintheyear,
ComeLammas-eveatnightshallshebefourteen.
Susanandshe—GodrestallChristiansouls!—
Wereofanage.Well,SusaniswithGod;
Shewastoogoodforme.But,asIsaid,
OnLammas-eveatnightshallshebefourteen;
Thatshallshe,marry;Irememberitwell.
’Tissincetheearthquakenowelevenyears;
Andshewaswean’d,Inevershallforgetit,
Ofallthedaysoftheyear,uponthatday;
ForIhadthenlaidwormwoodtomydug,
Sittinginthesununderthedove-housewall;
MylordandyouwerethenatMantua.
Nay,Idobearabrain:—but,asIsaid,
Whenitdidtastethewormwoodonthenipple
Ofmydugandfeltitbitter,prettyfool!
Toseeittetchyandfalloutwiththedug.
‘Shake,’quoththedove-house:’twasnoneed,Itrow,
Tobidmetrudge:
Andsincethattimeitiselevenyears;
Forthenshecouldstandhighlone;nay,bytherood,
Shecouldhaverunandwaddledallabout;
Foreventhedaybeforeshebrokeherbrow:
Andthenmyhusband—Godbewithhissoul!
A’wasamerryman—tookupthechild:
‘Yea,’quothhe,‘dostthoufalluponthyface?
Thouwiltfallbackwardwhenthouhastmorewit;
Wiltthounot,Jule?’and,bymyhalidom,
Theprettywretchleftcrying,andsaid‘Ay.’
Toseenowhowajestshallcomeabout!
Iwarrant,anIshouldliveathousandyears,
Inevershouldforgetit:‘Wiltthounot,Jule?’quothhe;
And,prettyfool,itstintedandsaid‘Ay.’
LADYCAPULET.Enoughofthis;Ipraythee,holdthy
peace.
NURSE.Yes,madam.YetIcannotchoosebutlaugh,
Tothinkitshouldleavecrying,andsay‘Ay.’
Andyet,Iwarrant,ithaduponitsbrow
Abumpasbigasayoungcockerel’sstone;
Aparlousknock;anditcriedbitterly:
‘Yea,’quothmyhusband,‘fall’stuponthyface?
Thouwiltfallbackwardwhenthoucom’sttoage;
Wiltthounot,Jule?’itstintedandsaid‘Ay.’
JULIET.Andstintthoutoo,Ipraythee,nurse,sayI.
NURSE.Peace,Ihavedone.Godmarktheetohisgrace!
Thouwasttheprettiestbabethate’erInursed:
AnImightlivetoseetheemarriedonce,
Ihavemywish.
LADYCAPULET.Marry,that‘marry’istheverytheme
Icametotalkof.Tellme,daughterJuliet,
Howstandsyourdispositiontobemarried?
JULIET.ItisanhonourthatIdreamnotof.
NURSE.Anhonour!werenotIthineonlynurse,
Iwouldsaythouhadstsuck’dwisdomfromthyteat.
LADYCAPULET.Well,thinkofmarriagenow;youngerthan
you,
HereinVerona,ladiesofesteem,
Aremadealreadymothers:bymycount,
Iwasyourmothermuchupontheseyears
Thatyouarenowamaid.Thustheninbrief,
ThevaliantParisseeksyouforhislove.
NURSE.Aman,younglady!lady,suchaman
Asalltheworld—why,he’samanofwax.
LADYCAPULET.Verona’ssummerhathnotsuchaflower.
NURSE.Nay,he’saflower;infaith,averyflower.
LADYCAPULET.Whatsayyou?canyoulovethegentle-
man?
Thisnightyoushallbeholdhimatourfeast;
Reado’erthevolumeofyoungParis’face
Andfinddelightwrittherewithbeauty’spen;
Examineeverymarriedlineament,
Andseehowoneanotherlendscontent;
Andwhatobscur ’dinthisfairvolumelies
Findwritteninthemargentofhiseyes.
Thispreciousbookoflove,thisunboundlover,
Tobeautifyhim,onlylacksacover:
Thefishlivesinthesea,and’tismuchpride
Forfairwithoutthefairwithintohide:
Thatbookinmanyeyesdothsharetheglory,
Thatingoldclaspslocksinthegoldenstory:
Soshallyoushareallthathedothpossess,
Byhavinghimmakingyourselfnoless.
NURSE.Noless!nay,bigger;womengrowbymen.
LADYCAPULET.Speakbriefly,canyoulikeofParis’love?
JULIET.I’lllooktolike,iflookinglikingmove;
ButnomoredeepwillIendartmineeye
Thanyourconsentgivesstrengthtomakeitfly.
EnteraServant
SERVANT.Madam,theguestsarecome,supperservedup,
youcalled,myyoungladyaskedfor,thenursecursed
inthepantry,andeverythinginextremity.Imusthence
towait;Ibeseechyou,followstraight.
LADYCAPULET.Wefollowthee.Juliet,thecountystays.
NURSE.Go,girl,seekhappynightstohappydays.
Exeunt
SCENEFOUR
AStreet.
EnterRomeo,Mercutio,Benvolio,withfiveorsix
Maskers,Torchbearers,andOthers
ROMEO.What!shallthisspeechbespokeforourexcuse,
Orshallweonwithoutapology?
BENVOLIO.Thedateisoutofsuchprolixity:
We’llhavenoCupidhood-wink’dwithascarf,
BearingaTartar ’spaintedbowoflath,
Scaringtheladieslikeacrow-keeper;
Nornowithout-bookprologue,faintlyspoke
Aftertheprompter,forourentrance:
But,letthemmeasureusbywhattheywill,
We’llmeasurethemameasure,andbegone.
ROMEO.Givemeatorch:Iamnotforthisambling;
Beingbutheavy,Iwillbearthelight.
MERCUTIO.Nay,gentleRomeo,wemusthaveyoudance.
ROMEO.NotI,believeme;youhavedancingshoes
Withnimblesoles;Ihaveasouloflead
SostakesmetothegroundIcannotmove.
MERCUTIO.Youarealover;borrowCupid’swings,
Andsoarwiththemaboveacommonbound.
ROMEO.Iamtoosoreenpiercedwithhisshaft
Tosoarwithhislightfeathers;andsobound
Icannotboundapitchabovedullwoe:
Underlove’sheavyburdendoIsink.
MERCUTIO.And,tosinkinit,shouldyouburdenlove;
Toogreatoppressionforatenderthing.
ROMEO.Isloveatenderthing?itistoorough,
Toorude,tooboisterous;anditprickslikethorn.
MERCUTIO.Ifloveberoughwithyou,beroughwithlove;
Prickloveforpricking,andyoubeatlovedown.
Givemeacasetoputmyvisagein:Puttingonamask
Avisorforavisor!whatcareI,
Whatcuriouseyedothquotedeformities?
Herearethebeetlebrowsshallblushforme.
BENVOLIO.Come,knockandenter;andnosoonerin,
Buteverymanbetakehimtohislegs.
ROMEO.Atorchforme;letwantons,lightofheart,
Ticklethesenselessrusheswiththeirheels,
ForIamproverb’dwithagrandsirephrase;
I’llbeacandle-holder,andlookon.
Thegamewasne’ersofair,andIamdone.
MERCUTIO.Tut!dun’sthemouse,theconstable’sown
word:
IfthouartDun,we’lldrawtheefromthemire,
Of—saveyourreverence—love,whereinthoustick’st
Uptotheears.Come,weburndaylight,ho!
ROMEO.Nay,that’snotso.
MERCUTIO.Imean,sir,indelay
Wewasteourlightsinvain,likelampsbyday.
Takeourgoodmeaning,forourjudgmentsits
Fivetimesinthatereonceinourfivewits.
ROMEO.Andwemeanwellingoingtothismask;
But’tisnowittogo.
MERCUTIO.Why,mayoneask?
ROMEO.Idream’dadreamto-night.
MERCUTIO.AndsodidI.
ROMEO.Well,whatwasyours?
MERCUTIO.Thatdreamersoftenlie.
ROMEO.Inbedasleep,whiletheydodreamthingstrue.
MERCUTIO.O!then,Isee,QueenMabhathbeenwithyou.
BENVOLIO.QueenMab!What’sshe?
MERCUTIO.Sheisthefairies’midwife,andshecomes
Inshapenobiggerthananagate-stone
Onthefore-fingerofanalderman,
Drawnwithateamoflittleatomies
Athwartmen’snosesastheylieasleep:
Herwaggon-spokesmadeoflongspinners’legs;
Thecover,ofthewingsofgrasshoppers;
Thetraces,ofthesmallestspider ’sweb;
Thecollars,ofthemoonshine’swaterybeams;
Herwhip,ofcricket’sbone;thelash,offilm;
Herwaggoner,asmallgrey-coatedgnat,
Nothalfsobigasaroundlittleworm
Prick’dfromthelazyfingerofamaid;
Herchariotisanemptyhazel-nut,
Madebythejoinersquirreloroldgrub,
Timeouto’mindthefairies’coach-makers.
Andinthisstateshegallopsnightbynight
Throughlovers’brains,andthentheydreamoflove;
O’ercourtiers’knees,thatdreamoncurtsiesstraight;
O’erlawyers’fingers,whostraightdreamonfees;
O’erladies’lips,whostraightonkissesdream;
WhichofttheangryMabwithblistersplagues,
Becausetheirbreathswithsweetmeatstaintedare.
Sometimesshegallopso’eracourtier ’snose,
Andthendreamsheofsmellingoutasuit;
Andsometimescomesshewithatithe-pig’stail,
Ticklingaparson’snoseasa’liesasleep,
Thendreamsheofanotherbenefice;
Sometimesshedrivetho’erasoldier ’sneck,
Andthendreamsheofcuttingforeignthroats,
Ofbreaches,ambuscadoes,Spanishblades,
Ofhealthsfivefathomdeep;andthenanon
Drumsinhisear,atwhichhestartsandwakes;
And,beingthusfrighted,swearsaprayerortwo,
Andsleepsagain.ThisisthatveryMab
Thatplatsthemanesofhorsesinthenight;
Andbakestheelf-locksinfoulsluttishhairs,
Whichonceuntangledmuchmisfortunebodes;
Thisisthehag,whenmaidslieontheirbacks,
Thatpressesthemandlearnsthemfirsttobear,
Makingthemwomenofgoodcarriage:
Thisisshe—
ROMEO.peace!Mercutio,peace!
Thoutalk’stofnothing.
MERCUTIO.True,Italkofdreams,
Whicharethechildrenofanidlebrain,
Begotofnothingbutvainfantasy;
Whichisasthinofsubstanceastheair,
Andmoreinconstantthanthewind,whowoos
Evennowthefrozenbosomofthenorth,
And,beinganger ’d,puffsawayfromthence,
Turninghisfacetothedew-droppingsouth.
BENVOLIO.Thiswindyoutalkofblowsusfromourselves;
Supperisdone,andweshallcometoolate.
ROMEO.Ifeartooearly;formymindmisgives
Someconsequenceyethanginginthestars
Shallbitterlybeginhisfearfuldate
Withthisnight’srevels,andexpiretheterm
Ofadespisedlifeclos’dinmybreast
Bysomevileforfeitofuntimelydeath.
Buthe,thathaththesteerageofmycourse,
Directmysail!On,lustygentlemen.
BENVOLIO.Strike,drum.Exeunt
SCENEFIVE
AHallinCapulet’sHouse.
Musicianswaiting.EnterServingmen
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Where’sPotpan,thathehelpsnotto
takeaway?heshiftatrencher!hescrapeatrencher!
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Whengoodmannersshalllieallin
oneortwomen’shands,andtheyunwashedtoo,’tisa
foulthing.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Awaywiththejoint-stools,removethe
court-cupboard,looktotheplate.Goodthou,savemea
pieceofmarchpane;and,asthoulovestme,letthe
porterletinSusanGrindstoneandNell.Antony!and
Potpan!
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Ay,boy;ready.
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Youarelookedforandcalledfor,
askedforandsoughtforinthegreatchamber.
THIRDSERVINGMAN .Wecannotbehereandtheretoo.
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Cheerly,boys;bebriskawhile,and
thelongerlivertakeall.Theyretirebehind
EnterCapuletandJulietandOthersofhishouse,
meetingtheGuestsandMaskers
CAPULET.Welcome,gentlemen!ladiesthathavetheirtoes
Unplagu’dwithcornswillwalkaboutwithyou.
Ahha!mymistresses,whichofyouall
Willnowdenytodance?shethatmakesdainty,she,
I’llswear,hathcorns;amIcomenearyenow?
Welcome,gentlemen!Ihaveseentheday
ThatIhavewornavisor,andcouldtell
Awhisperingtaleinafairlady’sear
Suchaswouldplease;’tisgone,’tisgone,’tisgone.
Youarewelcome,gentlemen!Come,musicians,play.
Ahall!ahall!giveroom,andfootit,girls.
Musicplays,andtheydance
Morelight,yeknaves!andturnthetablesup,
Andquenchthefire,theroomhasgrowntoohot.
Ah!sirrah,thisunlook’d-forsportcomeswell.
Nay,sit,nay,sit,goodcousinCapulet,
ForyouandIarepastourdancingdays;
Howlongis’tnowsincelastyourselfandI
Wereinamask?
SECONDCAPULET.By’rLady,thirtyyears.
CAPULET.What,man!’tisnotsomuch,’tisnotsomuch:
’TissincethenuptialofLucentio,
ComePentecostasquicklyasitwill,
Somefiveandtwentyyears;andthenwemask’d.
SECONDCAPULET.’Tismore,’tismore;hissoniselder,sir.
Hissonisthirty.
CAPULET.Willyoutellmethat?
Hissonwasbutawardtwoyearsago.
ROMEO.Whatladyisthatwhichdothenrichthehand
Ofyonderknight?
SERVINGMAN .Iknownot,sir.
ROMEO.O!shedothteachthetorchestoburnbright.
Itseemsshehangsuponthecheekofnight
LikearichjewelinanEthiop’sear;
Beautytoorichforuse,forearthtoodear!
Soshowsasnowydovetroopingwithcrows,
Asyonderladyo’erherfellowsshows.
Themeasuredone,I‘llwatchherplaceofstand,
And,touchinghers,makeblessedmyrudehand.
Didmyheartlovetillnow?forswearit,sight!
ForIne’ersawtruebeautytillthisnight.
TYBALT.This,byhisvoice,shouldbeaMontague.
Fetchmemyrapier,boy.What!darestheslave
Comehither,cover ’dwithanantickface,
Tofleerandscornatoursolemnity?
Now,bythestockandhonourofmykin,
TostrikehimdeadIholditnotasin.
CAPULET.Why,hownow,kinsman!whereforestormyou
so?
TYBALT.Uncle,thisisaMontague,ourfoe;
Avillainthatishithercomeinspite,
Toscornatoursolemnitythisnight.
CAPULET.YoungRomeo,isit?
TYBALT.’Tishe,thatvillainRomeo.
CAPULET.Contentthee,gentlecoz,lethimalone:
Hebearshimlikeaportlygentleman;
And,tosaytruth,Veronabragsofhim
Tobeavirtuousandwell-govern’dyouth.
Iwouldnotforthewealthofallthistown
Hereinmyhousedohimdisparagement;
Thereforebepatient,takenonoteofhim:
Itismywill;thewhichifthourespect,
Showafairpresenceandputoffthesefrowns,
Anill-beseemingsemblanceforafeast.
TYBALT.Itfits,whensuchavillainisaguest:
I’llnotendurehim.
CAPULET.Heshallbeendur ’d:
What!goodmanboy;Isay,heshall,goto;
AmIthemasterhere,oryou?goto.
You’llnotendurehim!Godshallmendmysoul!
You’llmakeamutinyamongmyguests!
Youwillsetcock-a-hoop!you’llbetheman!
TYBALT.Why,uncle,’tisashame.
CAPULET.Goto,goto;
Youareasaucyboy—is’tsoindeed?—
Thistrickmaychancetoscatheyou.—Iknowwhat:
Youmustcontraryme!marry,’tistime.
Wellsaid,myhearts!Youareaprincox;go:
Bequiet,or—Morelight,morelight!—Forshame!
I’llmakeyouquiet.What!cheerly,myhearts!
TYBALT.Patienceperforcewithwilfulcholermeeting
Makesmyfleshtrembleintheirdifferentgreeting.
Iwillwithdraw;butthisintrusionshall
Nowseemingsweetconverttobittergall.Exit
ROMEO.(ToJuliet)IfIprofanewithmyunworthiesthand
Thisholyshrine,thegentlesinisthis;
Mylips,twoblushingpilgrims,readystand
Tosmooththatroughtouchwithatenderkiss.
JULIET.Goodpilgrim,youdowrongyourhandtoomuch,
Whichmannerlydevotionshowsinthis;
Forsaintshavehandsthatpilgrims’handsdotouch,
Andpalmtopalmisholypalmer ’skiss.
ROMEO.Havenotsaintslips,andholypalmerstoo?
JULIET.Ay,pilgrim,lipsthattheymustuseinprayer.
ROMEO.O!then,dearsaint,letlipsdowhathandsdo;
Theypray,grantthou,lestfaithturntodespair.
JULIET.Saintsdonotmove,thoughgrantforprayer ’ssake.
ROMEO.Thenmovenot,whilemyprayers’effectItake.
Thusfrommylips,bythine,mysinispurg’d.
Kissingher
JULIET.Thenhavemylipsthesinthattheyhavetook.
ROMEO.Sinfrommylips?Otrespasssweetlyurg’d!
Givememysinagain.
JULIET.Youkissbythebook.
NURSE.Madam,yourmothercravesawordwithyou.
ROMEO.Whatishermother?
NURSE.Marry,bachelor,
Hermotheristheladyofthehouse,
Andagoodlady,andawise,andvirtuous:
Inurs’dherdaughter,thatyoutalk’dwithal;
Itellyouhethatcanlayholdofher
Shallhavethechinks.
ROMEO.IssheaCapulet?
Odearaccount!mylifeismyfoe’sdebt.
BENVOLIO.Away,begone;thesportisatthebest.
ROMEO.Ay,soIfear;themoreismyunrest.
CAPULET.Nay,gentlemen,preparenottobegone;
Wehaveatriflingfoolishbanquettowards.
Isite’enso?Whythen,Ithankyouall;
Ithankyou,honestgentlemen;good-night.
Moretorcheshere!Comeonthen,let‘stobed.
Ah!sirrah,bymyfay,itwaxeslate;
I’lltomyrest.ExeuntallexceptJulietandNurse
JULIET.Comehither,nurse.Whatisyondgentleman?
NURSE.ThesonandheirofoldTiberio.
JULIET.What’shethatnowisgoingoutofdoor?
NURSE.Marry,that,Ithink,beyoungPetruchio.
JULIET.What’she,thatfollowstherethatwouldnot
dance?
NURSE.Iknownot.
JULIET.Go,askhisname.—Ifhebemarried,
Mygraveisliketobemywedding-bed.
NURSE.HisnameisRomeo,andaMontague;
Theonlysonofyourgreatenemy.
JULIET.Myonlylovesprungfrommyonlyhate!
Tooearlyseenunknown,andknowntoolate!
Prodigiousbirthofloveitistome,
ThatImustlovealoathedenemy.
NURSE.What’sthis,What’sthis?
JULIET.ArimeIlearn’devennow
OfoneIdanc’dwithal.Onecallswithin,‘Juliet!’
NURSE.Anon,anon!—
Come,let’saway;thestrangersareallgone.Exeunt
ACTTWO
PROLOGUE
EnterChorus
CHORUS.Nowolddesiredothinhisdeath-bedlie,
Andyoungaffectiongapestobehisheir;
Thatfairforwhichlovegroan’dforandwoulddie,
WithtenderJulietmatch’d,isnownotfair.
NowRomeoisbelov’dandlovesagain,
Alikebewitchedbythecharmoflooks,
Buttohisfoesuppos’dhemustcomplain,
Andshesteallove’ssweetbaitfromfearfulhooks:
Beingheldafoe,hemaynothaveaccess
Tobreathesuchvowsasloversus’dtoswear;
Andsheasmuchinlove,hermeansmuchless
Tomeethernew-belovedanywhere:
Butpassionlendsthempower,timemeans,tomeet,
Temperingextremitywithextremesweet.Exit
SCENEONE
Verona.ALanebytheWallofCapulet’sOrchard
EnterRomeo
ROMEO.CanIgoforwardwhenmyheartishere?
Turnback,dullearth,andfindthycentreout.
Heclimbsthewall,andleapsdownwithinit
EnterBenvolioandMercutio
BENVOLIO.Romeo!mycousinRomeo!
MERCUTIO.Heiswise;
And,onmylife,hathstol’nhimhometobed.
BENVOLIO.Heranthisway,andleap’dthisorchardwall:
Call,goodMercutio.
MERCUTIO.Nay,I’llconjuretoo.
Romeo!humours!madman!passion!lover!
Appearthouinthelikenessofasigh:
SpeakbutonerimeandIamsatisfied;
Crybut‘Ayme!’couplebut‘love’and‘dove’;
SpeaktomygossipVenusonefairword,
Onenicknameforherpurblindsonandheir,
YoungAdamCupid,hethatshotsotrim
WhenKingCophetualov’dthebeggar-maid.
Hehearethnot,hestirrethnot,hemovethnot;
Theapeisdead,andImustconjurehim.
IconjuretheebyRosaline’sbrighteyes,
Byherhighforehead,andherscarletlip,
Byherfinefoot,straightleg,andquiveringthigh,
Andthedemesnesthatthereadjacentlie,
Thatinthylikenessthouappeartous.
BENVOLIO.Anifhehearthee,thouwiltangerhim.
MERCUTIO.Thiscannotangerhim:’twouldangerhim
Toraiseaspiritinhismistress’circle
Ofsomestrangenature,lettingittherestand
Tillshehadlaidit,andconjur ’ditdown;
Thatweresomespite:myinvocation
Isfairandhonest,andinhismistress’name
Iconjureonlybuttoraiseuphim.
BENVOLIO.Come,hehathhidhimselfamongthesetrees,
Tobeconsortedwiththehumorousnight:
Blindishisloveandbestbefitsthedark.
MERCUTIO.Iflovebeblind,lovecannothitthemark.
Nowwillhesitunderamedlartree,
Andwishhismistresswerethatkindoffruit
Asmaidscallmedlars,whentheylaughalone.
ORomeo!thatshewere,O!thatshewere
Anopen‘etcætera,’thouapoperinpear.
Romeo,good-night:I’lltomytruckle-bed;
Thisfield-bedistoocoldformetosleep:
Come,shallwego?
BENVOLIO.Go,then;for’tisinvain
Toseekhimherethatmeansnottobefound.
Exeunt
SCENETWO
Capulet’sOrchard.
EnterRomeo
ROMEO.Hejestsatscars,thatneverfeltawound.
Julietappearsaboveatawindow
But,soft!whatlightthroughyonderwindowbreaks?
Itistheeast,andJulietisthesun!
Arise,fairsun,andkilltheenviousmoon,
Whoisalreadysickandpalewithgrief,
Thatthouhermaidartfarmorefairthanshe:
Benothermaid,sincesheisenvious;
Hervestalliveryisbutsickandgreen,
Andnonebutfoolsdowearit;castitoff.
Itismylady;O!itismylove:
O!thatsheknewshewere.
Shespeaks,yetshesaysnothing:whatofthat?
Hereyediscourses;Iwillanswerit.
Iamtoobold,’tisnottomeshespeaks:
Twoofthefaireststarsinalltheheaven,
Havingsomebusiness,doentreathereyes
Totwinkleintheirspherestilltheyreturn.
Whatifhereyeswerethere,theyinherhead?
Thebrightnessofhercheekwouldshamethosestars
Asdaylightdothalamp;hereyesinheaven
Wouldthroughtheairyregionstreamsobright
Thatbirdswouldsingandthinkitwerenotnight.
See!howsheleanshercheekuponherhand:
O!thatIwereagloveuponthathand,
ThatImighttouchthatcheek.
JULIET.Ayme!
ROMEO.Shespeaks:
O!speakagain,brightangel;forthouart
Asglorioustothisnight,beingo’ermyhead,
Asisawingedmessengerofheaven
Untothewhite-upturnedwonderingeyes
Ofmortals,thatfallbacktogazeonhim
Whenhebestridesthelazy-pacingclouds,
Andsailsuponthebosomoftheair.
JULIET.ORomeo,Romeo!whereforeartthouRomeo?
Denythyfather,andrefusethyname;
Or,ifthouwiltnot,bebutswornmylove,
AndI’llnolongerbeaCapulet.
ROMEO.(Aside)ShallIhearmore,orshallIspeakatthis?
JULIET.’Tisbutthynamethatismyenemy;
Thouartthyselfthough,notaMontague.
What’sMontague?itisnorhand,norfoot,
Norarm,norface,noranyotherpart
Belongingtoaman.O!besomeothername:
What’sinaname?Thatwhichwecallarose
Byanyothernamewouldsmellassweet;
SoRomeowould,werehenotRomeocall’d,
Retainthatdearperfectionwhichheowes
Withoutthattitle.Romeo,doffthyname;
Andforthatname,whichisnopartofthee,
Takeallmyself.
ROMEO.Itaketheeatthyword.
Callmebutlove,andI’llbenewbaptiz’d;
HenceforthIneverwillbeRomeo.
JULIET.Whatmanartthou,that,thusbescreen’dinnight,
Sostumblestonmycounsel?
ROMEO.Byaname
IknownothowtotelltheewhoIam:
Myname,dearsaint,ishatefultomyself,
Becauseitisanenemytothee:
HadIitwritten,Iwouldteartheword.
JULIET.Myearshavenotyetdrunkahundredwords
Ofthattongue’suttering,yetIknowthesound:
ArtthounotRomeo,andaMontague?
ROMEO.Neither,fairmaid,ifeithertheedislike.
JULIET.Howcam’stthouhither,tellme,andwherefore?
Theorchardwallsarehighandhardtoclimb,
Andtheplacedeath,consideringwhothouart,
Ifanyofmykinsmenfindtheehere.
ROMEO.Withlove’slightwingsdidIo’erperchthesewalls;
Forstonylimitscannotholdloveout,
Andwhatlovecandothatdaresloveattempt;
Thereforethykinsmenarenostoptome.
JULIET.Iftheydoseetheetheywillmurderthee.
ROMEO.Alack!thereliesmoreperilinthineeye
Thantwentyoftheirswords:lookthoubutsweet,
AndIamproofagainsttheirenmity.
JULIET.Iwouldnotfortheworldtheysawtheehere.
ROMEO.Ihavenight’scloaktohidemefromtheireyes;
Andbutthouloveme,letthemfindmehere;
Mylifewerebetterendedbytheirhate,
Thandeathprorogued,wantingofthylove.
JULIET.Bywhosedirectionfound’stthououtthisplace?
ROMEO.ByLove,thatfirstdidpromptmetoinquire;
Helentmecounsel,andIlenthimeyes.
Iamnopilot;yetwertthouasfar
Asthatvastshorewash’dwiththefurthestsea,
Iwouldadventureforsuchmerchandise.
JULIET.Thouknow’stthemaskofnightisonmyface.
Elsewouldamaidenblushbepaintmycheek
Forthatwhichthouhastheardmespeakto-night.
FainwouldIdwellonform,fain,faindeny
WhatIhavespoke:butfarewellcompliment!
Dostthouloveme?Iknowthouwiltsay‘Ay’;
AndIwilltakethyword;yet,ifthouswear ’st,
Thoumaystprovefalse;atlovers’perjuries,
Theysay,Jovelaughs.OgentleRomeo!
Ifthoudostlove,pronounceitfaithfully:
Orifthouthink’stIamtooquicklywon,
I’llfrownandbeperverseandsaytheenay,
Sothouwiltwoo;butelse,notfortheworld.
Intruth,fairMontague,Iamtoofond,
Andthereforethoumaystthinkmyhaviourlight:
Buttrustme,gentleman,I’llprovemoretrue
Thanthosethathavemorecunningtobestrange.
Ishouldhavebeenmorestrange,Imustconfess,
Butthatthouover-heard’st,ereIwasware,
Mytruelove’spassion:thereforepardonme,
Andnotimputethisyieldingtolightlove,
Whichthedarknighthathsodiscovered.
ROMEO.Lady,byyonderblessedmoonIswear
Thattipswithsilverallthesefruit-treetops,—
JULIET.O!swearnotbythemoon,theinconstantmoon.
Thatmonthlychangesinhercircledorb,
Lestthatthyloveprovelikewisevariable.
ROMEO.WhatshallIswearby?
JULIET.Donotswearatall;
Or,ifthouwilt,swearbythygraciousself,
Whichisthegodofmyidolatry,
AndI’llbelievethee.
ROMEO.Ifmyheart’sdearlove—
JULIET.Well,donotswear.AlthoughIjoyinthee,
Ihavenojoyofthiscontractto-night:
Itistoorash,toounadvis’d,toosudden;
Toolikethelightning,whichdothceasetobe
Ereonecansayitlightens.Sweet,good-night!
Thisbutoflove,bysummer ’sripeningbreath,
Mayproveabeauteousflowerwhennextwemeet.
Good-night,good-night!assweetreposeandrest
Cometothyheartasthatwithinmybreast!
ROMEO.O!wiltthouleavemesounsatisfied?
JULIET.Whatsatisfactioncanstthouhaveto-night?
ROMEO.Theexchangeofthylove’sfaithfulvowformine.
JULIET.Igavetheeminebeforethoudidstrequestit;
AndyetIwoulditweretogiveagain.
ROMEO.Wouldstthouwithdrawit?forwhatpurpose,love?
JULIET.Buttobefrank,andgiveittheeagain.
AndyetIwishbutforthethingIhave:
Mybountyisasboundlessasthesea,
Myloveasdeep;themoreIgivetothee,
ThemoreIhave,forbothareinfinite.
Nursecallswithin
Ihearsomenoisewithin;dearlove,adieu!
Anon,goodnurse!SweetMontague,betrue.
Staybutalittle,Iwillcomeagain.Exitabove
ROMEO.Oblessed,blessednight!Iamafeard,
Beinginnight,allthisisbutadream,
Tooflattering-sweettobesubstantial.
Re-enterJuliet,above
JULIET.Threewords,dearRomeo,andgood-nightindeed.
Ifthatthybentoflovebehonourable,
Thypurposemarriage,sendmewordto-morrow,
ByonethatI’llprocuretocometothee,
Where,andwhattime,thouwiltperformtherite;
AndallmyfortunesatthyfootI’lllay,
Andfollowtheemylordthroughouttheworld.
NURSE.(Within)Madam!
JULIET.Icome,anon.—Butifthoumean’stnotwell,Ido
beseechthee,—
NURSE.(Within)Madam!
JULIET.Byandby;Icome;—
Toceasethysuit,andleavemetomygrief:
To-morrowwillIsend.
ROMEO.Sothrivemysoul,—
JULIET.Athousandtimesgood-night!Exitabove
ROMEO.Athousandtimestheworse,towantthylight.
Lovegoestowardlove,asschoolboysfromtheirbooks;
Butlovefromlove,towardschoolwithheavylooks.
Retiring
Re-enterJuliet,above
JULIET.Hist!Romeo,hist!O!forafalconer ’svoice,
Tolurethistassel-gentlebackagain.
Bondageishoarse,andmaynotspeakaloud,
ElsewouldItearthecavewhereEcholies,
Andmakeherairytonguemorehoarsethanmine,
WithrepetitionofmyRomeo’sname.
ROMEO.Itismysoulthatcallsuponmyname:
Howsilver-sweetsoundlovers’tonguesbynight,
Likesoftestmusictoattendingears!
JULIET.Romeo!
ROMEO.Mydear!
JULIET.Atwhato’clockto-morrow
ShallIsendtothee?
ROMEO.Atthehourofnine.
JULIET.Iwillnotfail;’tistwentyyearstillthen.
IhaveforgotwhyIdidcalltheeback.
ROMEO.Letmestandheretillthourememberit.
JULIET.Ishallforget,tohavetheestillstandthere,
RememberinghowIlovethycompany.
ROMEO.AndI’llstillstay,tohavetheestillforget,
Forgettinganyotherhomebutthis.
JULIET.’Tisalmostmorning;Iwouldhavetheegone;
Andyetnofurtherthanawanton’sbird,
Wholetsithopalittlefromherhand,
Likeapoorprisonerinhistwistedgyves,
Andwithasilkthreadplucksitbackagain,
Soloving-jealousofhisliberty.
ROMEO.IwouldIwerethybird.
JULIET.Sweet,sowouldI:
YetIshouldkilltheewithmuchcherishing.
Good-night,good-night!partingissuchsweetsorrow
ThatIshallsaygood-nighttillitbemorrow.Exit
ROMEO.Sleepdwelluponthineeyes,peaceinthybreast!
WouldIweresleepandpeace,sosweettorest!
HencewillItomyghostlyfather ’scell,
Hishelptocrave,andmydearhaptotell.Exit
SCENETHREE
FriarLaurence’sCell.
EnterFriarLaurence,withabasket
FRIARLAURENCE.Thegrey-ey’dmornsmilesonthefrowningnight,
Chequeringtheeasterncloudswithstreaksoflight,
Andfleckeddarknesslikeadrunkardreels
Fromforthday’spathandTitan’sfierywheels:
Now,erethesunadvancehisburningeye
Thedaytocheerandnight’sdankdewtodry,
Imustup-fillthisosiercageofours
Withbalefulweedsandprecious-juicedflowers.
Theearththat’snature’smotherishertomb;
Whatisherburyinggravethatisherwomb,
Andfromherwombchildrenofdiverskind
Wesuckingonhernaturalbosomfind,
Manyformanyvirtuesexcellent,
Nonebutforsome,andyetalldifferent.
O!mickleisthepowerfulgracethatlies
Inherbs,plants,stones,andtheirtruequalities:
Fornoughtsovilethatontheearthdothlive
Buttotheearthsomespecialgooddothgive,
Noraughtsogoodbutstrain’dfromthatfairuse
Revoltsfromtruebirth,stumblingonabuse:
Virtueitselfturnsvice,beingmisapplied,
Andvicesometime’sbyactiondignified.
Withintheinfantrindofthisweakflower
Poisonhathresidenceandmedicinepower:
Forthis,beingsmelt,withthatpartcheerseachpart;
Beingtasted,slaysallsenseswiththeheart.
Twosuchopposedfoesencampthemstill
Inmanaswellasherbs,graceandrudewill;
Andwheretheworserispredominant,
Fullsoonthecankerdeatheatsupthatplant.
EnterRomeo
ROMEO.Good-morrow,father!
FRIARLAURENCE.Benedicite!
Whatearlytonguesosweetsalutethme?
Youngson,itarguesadistemper ’dhead
Sosoontobidgood-morrowtothybed:
Carekeepshiswatchineveryoldman’seye,
Andwherecarelodges,sleepwillneverlie;
Butwhereunbruisedyouthwithunstuff’dbrain
Dothcouchhislimbs,theregoldensleepdothreign:
Thereforethyearlinessdothmeassure
Thouartup-rous’dbysomedistemperature;
Orifnotso,thenhereIhititright,
OurRomeohathnotbeeninbedto-night.
ROMEO.Thatlastistrue;thesweeterrestwasmine.
FRIARLAURENCE.Godpardonsin!wastthouwithRosa-
line?
ROMEO.WithRosaline,myghostlyfather?no;
Ihaveforgotthatname,andthatname’swoe.
FRIARLAURENCE.That’smygoodson:butwherehast
thoubeen,then?
ROMEO.I’lltellthee,erethouaskitmeagain.
Ihavebeenfeastingwithmineenemy,
Whereonasuddenonehathwoundedme,
That’sbymewounded:bothourremedies
Withinthyhelpandholyphysicslies:
Ibearnohatred,blessedman;for,lo!
Myintercessionlikewisesteadsmyfoe.
FRIARLAURENCE.Beplain,goodson,andhomelyinthy
drift;
Riddlingconfessionfindsbutriddlingshrift.
ROMEO.Thenplainlyknowmyheart’sdearloveisset
OnthefairdaughterofrichCapulet:
Asmineonhers,sohersissetonmine;
Andallcombin’d,savewhatthoumustcombine
Byholymarriage:whenandwhereandhow
Wemet,wewoo’dandmadeexchangeofvow,
I’lltelltheeaswepass;butthisIpray,
Thatthouconsenttomarryusto-day.
FRIARLAURENCE.HolySaintFrancis!whatachangeis
here;
IsRosaline,whomthoudidstlovesodear,
Sosoonforsaken?youngmen’slovethenlies
Nottrulyintheirhearts,butintheireyes.
JesuMaria!whatadealofbrine
Hathwash’dthysallowcheeksforRosaline;
Howmuchsaltwaterthrownawayinwaste,
Toseasonlove,thatofitdothnottaste!
Thesunnotyetthysighsfromheavenclears,
Thyoldgroansringyetinmyancientears;
Lo!hereuponthycheekthestaindothsit
Ofanoldtearthatisnotwash’doffyet.
Ife’erthouwastthyselfandthesewoesthine,
ThouandthesewoeswereallforRosaline:
Andartthouchang’d?pronouncethissentencethen:
Womenmayfall,whenthere’snostrengthinmen.
ROMEO.Thouchidd’stmeoftforlovingRosaline.
FRIARLAURENCE.Fordoting,notforloving,pupilmine.
ROMEO.Andbad’stmeburylove.
FRIARLAURENCE.Notinagrave,
Tolayonein,anotherouttohave.
ROMEO.Ipraythee,chidenot;she,whomIlovenow
Dothgraceforgraceandloveforloveallow;
Theotherdidnotso.
FRIARLAURENCE.O!sheknewwell
Thylovedidreadbyroteandcouldnotspell.
Butcome,youngwaverer,come,gowithme,
InonerespectI’llthyassistantbe;
Forthisalliancemaysohappyprove,
Toturnyourhouseholds’rancourtopurelove.
ROMEO.O!letushence;Istandonsuddenhaste.
FRIARLAURENCE.Wiselyandslow;theystumblethatrun
fast.Exeunt
SCENEFOUR
AStreet.
EnterBenvolioandMercutio
MERCUTIO.WherethedevilshouldthisRomeobe?
Camehenothometo-night?
BENVOLIO.Nottohisfather ’s;Ispokewithhisman.
MERCUTIO.Why,thatsamepalehard-heartedwench,that
Rosaline,
Tormentshimso,thathewillsurerunmad.
BENVOLIO.Tybalt,thekinsmanofoldCapulet,
Hathsentalettertohisfather ’shouse.
MERCUTIO.Achallenge,onmylife.
BENVOLIO.Romeowillanswerit.
MERCUTIO.Anymanthatcanwritemayansweraletter.
BENVOLIO.Nay,hewillanswertheletter ’smaster,howhe
dares,beingdared.
MERCUTIO.Alas!poorRomeo,heisalreadydead;stabbed
withawhitewench’sblackeye;shotthroughtheear
withalove-song;theverypinofhisheartcleftwith
theblindbow-boy’sbutt-shaft;andisheamantoencounterTybalt?
BENVOLIO.Why,whatisTybalt?
MERCUTIO.Morethanprinceofcats,Icantellyou.O!he
isthecourageouscaptainofcompliments.Hefightsas
yousingprick-song,keepstime,distance,andproportion;restsmehisminimrest,one,two,andthethirdin
yourbosom;theverybutcherofasilkbutton,aduellist,
aduellist;agentlemanoftheveryfirsthouse,ofthe
firstandsecondcause.Ah!theimmortalpassado!the
puntoreverso!thehay!
BENVOLIO.Thewhat?
MERCUTIO.Thepoxofsuchantick,lisping,affectingfan-
tasticoes,thesenewtunersofaccents!—‘ByJesu,avery
goodblade!—averytallman!averygoodwhore.’—Why,
isnotthisalamentablething,grandsire,thatweshould
bethusafflictedwiththesestrangeflies,thesefashionmongers,thesepardonnez-mois,whostandsomuchon
thenewformthattheycannotsitateaseontheold
bench?O,theirbons,theirbons!
EnterRomeo
BENVOLIO.HerecomesRomeo,herecomesRomeo.
MERCUTIO.Withouthisroe,likeadriedherring.Oflesh,
flesh,howartthoufishified!Nowisheforthenumbers
thatPetrarchflowedin:Lauratohisladywasbuta
kitchen-wench;marry,shehadabetterlovetobe-rime
her;Didoadowdy;Cleopatraagipsy;HelenandHero
hildingsandharlots;Thisbe,agreyeyeorso,butnot
tothepurpose.SigniorRomeo,bonjour!there’sa
FrenchsalutationtoyourFrenchslop.Yougaveusthe
counterfeitfairlylastnight.
ROMEO.Good-morrowtoyouboth.WhatcounterfeitdidI
giveyou?
MERCUTIO.Theslip,sir,theslip;canyounotconceive?
ROMEO.Pardon,goodMercutio,mybusinesswasgreat;
andinsuchacaseasmineamanmaystraincourtesy.
MERCUTIO.That’sasmuchastosay,suchacaseasyours
constrainsamantobowinthehams.
ROMEO.Meaning—tocurtsy.
MERCUTIO.Thouhastmostkindlyhitit.
ROMEO.Amostcourteousexposition.
MERCUTIO.Nay,Iamtheverypinkofcourtesy.
ROMEO.Pinkforflower.
MERCUTIO.Right.
ROMEO.Why,then,ismypumpwellflowered.
MERCUTIO.Wellsaid;followmethisjestnowtillthou
hastwornoutthepump,that,whenthesinglesoleofit
isworn,thejestmayremainafterthewearingsolesingular.
ROMEO.Osingle-soledjest!solelysingularforthesingle-
ness.
MERCUTIO.Comebetweenus,goodBenvolio;mywit
faints.
ROMEO.Switchandspurs,switchandspurs;orI’llcrya
match.
MERCUTIO.Nay,ifthywitsrunthewild-goosechase,I
havedone,forthouhastmoreofthewild-gooseinone
ofthywitsthan,Iamsure,Ihaveinmywholefive.
WasIwithyouthereforthegoose?
ROMEO.Thouwastneverwithmeforanythingwhenthou
wastnothereforthegoose.
MERCUTIO.Iwillbitetheebytheearforthatjest.
ROMEO.Nay,goodgoose,bitenot.
MERCUTIO.Thywitisaverybittersweeting;itisamost
sharpsauce.
ROMEO.Andisitnotthenwellservedintoasweetgoose?
MERCUTIO.O!here’sawitofcheveril,thatstretchesfrom
aninchnarrowtoanellbroad.
ROMEO.Istretchitoutforthatword‘broad’;whichadded
tothegoose,provestheefarandwideabroadgoose.
MERCUTIO.Why,isnotthisbetternowthangroaningfor
love?nowartthousociable,nowartthouRomeo;now
artthouwhatthouart,byartaswellasbynature:for
thisdrivellingloveislikeagreatnatural,thatruns
lollingupanddowntohidehisbaubleinahole.
BENVOLIO.Stopthere,stopthere.
MERCUTIO.Thoudesirestmetostopinmytaleagainstthe
hair.
BENVOLIO.Thouwouldstelsehavemadethytalelarge.
MERCUTIO.O!thouartdeceived;Iwouldhavemadeit
short;forIwascometothewholedepthofmytale,and
meantindeedtooccupytheargumentnolonger.
ROMEO.Here’sgoodlygear!
EnterNurseandPeter
MERCUTIO.Asail,asail!
BENVOLIO.Two,two;ashirtandasmock.
NURSE.Peter!
PETER.Anon!
NURSE.Myfan,Peter.
MERCUTIO.GoodPeter,tohideherface;forherfan’sthe
fairerface.
NURSE.Godyegoodmorrow,gentlemen.
MERCUTIO.Godyegoodden,fairgentlewoman.
NURSE.Isitgoodden?
MERCUTIO.’Tisnoless,Itellyou;forthebawdyhandof
thedialisnowupontheprickofnoon.
NURSE.Outuponyou!whatamanareyou!
ROMEO.One,gentlewoman,thatGodhathmadeforhim-
selftomar.
NURSE.Bymytroth,itiswellsaid;‘forhimselftomar,’
quotha’?—Gentlemen,cananyofyoutellmewhereI
mayfindtheyoungRomeo?
ROMEO.Icantellyou;butyoungRomeowillbeolder
whenyouhavefoundhimthanhewaswhenyousought
him:Iamtheyoungestofthatname,forfaultofa
worse.
NURSE.Yousaywell.
MERCUTIO.Yea!istheworstwell?verywelltook,i’faith;
wisely,wisely.
NURSE.Ifyoubehe,sir,Idesiresomeconfidencewith
you.
BENVOLIO.Shewillinditehimtosomesupper.
MERCUTIO.Abawd,abawd,abawd!Soho!
ROMEO.Whathastthoufound?
MERCUTIO.Nohare,sir;unlessahare,sir,inalentenpie,
thatissomethingstaleandhoarereitspent.Sings
Anoldharehoar,andanoldharehoar,
IsverygoodmeatinLent:
Butaharethatishoar,istoomuchforascore,
Whenithoarsereitbespent.
Romeo,willyoucometoyourfather ’s?we’lltodinner
thither.
ROMEO.Iwillfollowyou.
MERCUTIO.Farewell,ancientlady;farewell.
(Sings)Lady,lady,lady.
ExeuntMercutioandBenvolio
NURSE.Marry,farewell!Iprayyou,sir,whatsaucymer-
chantwasthis,thatwassofullofhisropery?
ROMEO.Agentleman,nurse,thatlovestohearhimself
talk,andwillspeakmoreinaminutethanhewillstand
toinamonth.
NURSE.Ana’speakanythingagainstme,I’lltakehim
down,ana’werelustierthanheis,andtwentysuch
Jacks;andifIcannot,I’llfindthosethatshall.Scurvy
knave!Iamnoneofhisflirt-gills;Iamnoneofhis
skeins-mates.(ToPeter)Andthoumuststandbytoo,
andsuffereveryknavetousemeathispleasure!
PETER.Isawnomanuseyouathispleasure;ifIhad,my
weaponshouldquicklyhavebeenout,Iwarrantyou.I
daredrawassoonasanotherman,ifIseeoccasionina
goodquarrel,andthelawonmyside.
NURSE.Now,aforeGod,Iamsovexed,thateverypart
aboutmequivers.Scurvyknave!Prayyou,sir,aword;
andasItoldyou,myyoungladybademeinquireyou
out;whatshebidmesayIwillkeeptomyself;butfirst
letmetellye,ifyeshouldleadherintoafool’sparadise,astheysay,itwereaverygrosskindofbehaviour,
astheysay:forthegentlewomanisyoung;and,therefore,ifyoushoulddealdoublewithher,trulyitwere
anillthingtobeofferedtoanygentlewoman,andvery
weakdealing.
ROMEO.Nurse,commendmetothyladyandmistress.I
protestuntothee,—
NURSE.Goodheart!and,i’faith,Iwilltellherasmuch.
Lord,Lord!shewillbeajoyfulwoman.
ROMEO.Whatwiltthoutellher,nurse?thoudostnot
markme.
NURSE.Iwilltellher,sir,thatyoudoprotest;which,asI
takeit,isagentlemanlikeoffer.
ROMEO.Bidherdevise
Somemeanstocometoshriftthisafternoon;
AndtheresheshallatFriarLaurence’cell
Beshriv’dandmarried.Hereisforthypains.
NURSE.No,truly,sir;notapenny.
ROMEO.Goto;Isay,youshall.
NURSE.Thisafternoon,sir?well,sheshallbethere.
ROMEO.Andstay,goodnurse;behindtheabbeywall:
Withinthishourmymanshallbewiththee,
Andbringtheecordsmadelikeatackledstair;
Whichtothehightop-gallantofmyjoy
Mustbemyconvoyinthesecretnight.
Farewell!Betrusty,andI’llquitthypains.
Farewell!Commendmetothymistress.
NURSE.NowGodinheavenblessthee!Harkyou,sir.
ROMEO.Whatsaystthou,mydearnurse?
NURSE.Isyourmansecret?Didyoune’erhearsay,
Twomaykeepcounsel,puttingoneaway?
ROMEO.Iwarranttheemyman’sastrueassteel.
NURSE.Well,sir;mymistressisthesweetestlady—Lord,
Lord!—when’twasalittlepratingthing,—O!there’sa
noblemanintown,oneParis,thatwouldfainlayknife
aboard;butshe,goodsoul,hadasliefseeatoad,avery
toad,asseehim.Iangerhersometimesandtellher
thatParisisthepropererman;but,I’llwarrantyou,
whenIsayso,shelooksaspaleasanycloutinthe
versalworld.DothnotrosemaryandRomeobeginboth
withaletter?
ROMEO.Ay,nurse:whatofthat?bothwithanR.
NURSE.Ah!mocker;that’sthedog’sname.Risforthe—
No;Iknowitbeginswithsomeotherletter:andshehad
theprettiestsententiousofit,ofyouandrosemary,that
itwoulddoyougoodtohearit.
ROMEO.Commendmetothylady.
NURSE.Ay,athousandtimes.(ExitRomeo)Peter!
PETER.Anon!
NURSE.Before,andapace.Exeunt
SCENEFIVE
Capulet’sGarden.
EnterJuliet
JULIET.TheclockstruckninewhenIdidsend
thenurse;
Inhalfanhourshepromis’dtoreturn.
Perchanceshecannotmeethim:that’snotso.
O!sheislame:love’sheraldsshouldbethoughts,
Whichtentimesfasterglidethanthesun’sbeams,
Drivingbackshadowsoverloweringhills:
Thereforedonimble-pinion’ddovesdrawLove,
Andthereforehaththewind-swiftCupidwings.
Nowisthesunuponthehighmosthill
Ofthisday’sjourney,andfromninetilltwelve
Isthreelonghours,yetsheisnotcome.
Hadsheaffections,andwarmyouthfulblood,
She’dbeasswiftinmotionasaball;
Mywordswouldbandyhertomysweetlove,
Andhistome:
Butoldfolks,manyfeignastheyweredead;
Unwieldy,slow,heavyandpaleaslead.
EnterNurseandPeter
OGod!shecomes.Ohoneynurse!whatnews?
Hastthoumetwithhim?Sendthymanaway.
NURSE.Peter,stayatthegate.ExitPeter
JULIET.Now,goodsweetnurse;OLord!whylook’stthou
sad?
Thoughnewsbesad,yettellthemmerrily;
Ifgood,thousham’stthemusicofsweetnews
Byplayingittomewithsosouraface.
NURSE.Iamaweary,givemeleaveawhile:
Fie,howmybonesache!WhatajauncehaveIhad!
JULIET.Iwouldthouhadstmybones,andIthynews.
Nay,come,Ipraythee,speak;good,goodnurse,speak.
NURSE.Jesu!whathaste?canyounotstayawhile?
DoyounotseethatIamoutofbreath?
JULIET.Howartthououtofbreathwhenthouhastbreath
Tosaytomethatthouartoutofbreath?
Theexcusethatthoudostmakeinthisdelay
Islongerthanthetalethoudostexcuse.
Isthynewsgood,orbad?answertothat;
Sayeither,andI’llstaythecircumstance:
Letmebesatisfied,is’tgoodorbad?
NURSE.Well,youhavemadeasimplechoice;youknow
nothowtochooseaman:Romeo!no,nothe;though
hisfacebebetterthananyman’s,yethislegexcelsall
men’s;andforahand,andafoot,andabody,though
theybenottobetalkedon,yettheyarepastcompare.
Heisnottheflowerofcourtesy,but,I’llwarranthim,
asgentleasalamb.Gothyways,wench;serveGod.
What!haveyoudinedathome?
JULIET.No,no:butallthisdidIknowbefore.
Whatsaysheofourmarriage?whatofthat?
NURSE.Lord!howmyheadaches;whataheadhaveI!
Itbeatsasitwouldfallintwentypieces.
Mybacko’t’otherside;O!myback,myback!
Beshrewyourheartforsendingmeabout,
Tocatchmydeathwithjauncingupanddown.
JULIET.I’faith,Iamsorrythatthouartnotwell.
Sweet,sweet,sweetnurse,tellme,whatsaysmylove?
NURSE.Yourlovesays,likeanhonestgentleman,anda
courteous,andakind,andahandsome,and,Iwarrant,
avirtuous,—Whereisyourmother?
JULIET.Whereismymother!why,sheiswithin;
Whereshouldshebe?Howoddlythourepliest:
‘Yourlovesays,likeanhonestgentleman,
Whereisyourmother?’
NURSE.O!God’sladydear,
Areyousohot?Marry,comeup,Itrow;
Isthisthepoulticeformyachingbones?
Henceforwarddoyourmessagesyourself.
JULIET.Here’ssuchacoil!come,whatsaysRomeo?
NURSE.Haveyougotleavetogotoshriftto-day?
JULIET.Ihave.
NURSE.ThenhieyouhencetoFriarLaurence’cell,
Therestaysahusbandtomakeyouawife:
Nowcomesthewantonbloodupinyourcheeks,
They’llbeinscarletstraightatanynews.
Hieyoutochurch;Imustanotherway,
Tofetchaladder,bythewhichyourlove
Mustclimbabird’snestsoonwhenitisdark,
Iamthedrudgeandtoilinyourdelight,
Butyoushallbeartheburdensoonatnight.
Go;I’lltodinner;hieyoutothecell.
JULIET.Hietohighfortune!Honestnurse,farewell.
Exeunt
SCENESIX
FriarLaurence’sCell.
EnterFriarLaurenceandRomeo
FRIARLAURENCE.Sosmiletheheavenuponthisholyact,
Thatafterhourswithsorrowchideusnot!
ROMEO.Amen,amen!butcomewhatsorrowcan,
Itcannotcountervailtheexchangeofjoy
Thatoneshortminutegivesmeinhersight:
Dothoubutcloseourhandswithholywords,
Thenlove-devouringdeathdowhathedare;
ItisenoughImaybutcallhermine.
FRIARLAURENCE.Theseviolentdelightshaveviolentends,
Andintheirtriumphdie,likefireandpowder
Which,astheykiss,consume:thesweetesthoney
Isloathsomeinhisowndeliciousness
Andinthetasteconfoundstheappetite:
Thereforelovemoderately;longlovedothso;
Tooswiftarrivesastardyastooslow.
EnterJuliet
Herecomesthelady:O!solightafoot
Willne’erwearouttheeverlastingflint:
Alovermaybestridethegossamer
Thatidlesinthewantonsummerair,
Andyetnotfall;solightisvanity.
JULIET.Good-eventomyghostlyconfessor.
FRIARLAURENCE.Romeoshallthankthee,daughter,for
usboth.
JULIET.Asmuchtohim,elsearehisthankstoomuch.
ROMEO.Ah!Juliet,ifthemeasureofthyjoy
Beheap’dlikemine,andthatthyskillbemore
Toblazonit,thensweetenwiththybreath
Thisneighbourair,andletrichmusic’stongue
Unfoldtheimagin’dhappinessthatboth
Receiveineitherbythisdearencounter.
JULIET.Conceit,morerichinmatterthaninwords.
Bragsofhissubstance,notofornament:
Theyarebutbeggarsthatcancounttheirworth;
Butmytrueloveisgrowntosuchexcess
Icannotsumuphalfmysumofwealth.
FRIARLAURENCE.Come,comewithme,andwewillmake
shortwork;
For,byyourleaves,youshallnotstayalone
Tillholychurchincorporatetwoinone.Exeunt
ACTTHREE
SCENEONE
Verona.APublicPlace.
EnterMercutio,Benvolio,Page,andServants
BENVOLIO.Ipraythee,goodMercutio,let’sretire:
Thedayishot,theCapuletsabroad,
And,ifwemeet,weshallnot’scapeabrawl;
Fornow,thesehotdays,isthemadbloodstirring.
MERCUTIO.Thouartlikeoneofthosefellowsthatwhen
heenterstheconfinesofatavernclapsmehissword
uponthetable,andsays‘Godsendmenoneedofthee!’
andbytheoperationofthesecondcupdrawshimon
thedrawer,when,indeed,thereisnoneed.
BENVOLIO.AmIlikesuchafellow?
MERCUTIO.Come,come,thouartashotaJackinthy
moodasanyinItaly;andassoonmovedtobemoody,
andassoonmoodytobemoved.
BENVOLIO.Andwhatto?
MERCUTIO.Nay,anthereweretwosuch,weshouldhave
noneshortly,foronewouldkilltheother.Thou!why,
thouwiltquarrelwithamanthathathahairmoreora
hairlessinhisbeardthanthouhast.Thouwiltquarrel
withamanforcrackingnuts,havingnootherreasonbut
becausethouhasthazeleyes.Whateye,butsuchan
eye,wouldspyoutsuchaquarrel?Thyheadisasfull
ofquarrelsasaneggisfullofmeat,andyetthyhead
hathbeenbeatenasaddleasaneggforquarrelling.
Thouhasquarrelledwithamanforcoughinginthe
street,becausehehathwakenedthydogthathathlain
asleepinthesun.Didstthounotfalloutwithatailorfor
wearinghisnewdoubletbeforeEaster?withanother,
fortyinghisnewshoeswitholdriband?andyetthou
wilttutormefromquarrelling!
BENVOLIO.AnIweresoapttoquarrelasthouart,any
manshouldbuythefee-simpleofmylifeforanhour
andaquarter.
MERCUTIO.Thefee-simple!Osimple!
BENVOLIO.Bymyhead,herecometheCapulets.
MERCUTIO.Bymyheel,Icarenot.
EnterTybalt,andOthers
TYBALT.Followmeclose,forIwillspeaktothem.Gentlemen,goodden!awordwithoneofyou.
MERCUTIO.Andbutonewordwithoneofus?Coupleit
withsomething;makeitawordandablow.
TYBALT.Youshallfindmeaptenoughtothat,sir,anyou
willgivemeoccasion.
MERCUTIO.Couldyounottakesomeoccasionwithout
giving?
TYBALT.Mercutio,thouconsort’stwithRomeo,—
MERCUTIO.Consort!What!dostthoumakeusminstrels?
anthoumakeminstrelsofus,looktohearnothingbut
discords:here’smyfiddlestick;here’sthatshallmake
youdance.’Zounds!consort!
BENVOLIO.Wetalkhereinthepublichauntofmen:
Eitherwithdrawuntosomeprivateplace,
Orreasoncoldlyofyourgrievances,
Orelsedepart;herealleyesgazeonus.
MERCUTIO.Men’seyesweremadetolook,andletthem
gaze;
Iwillnotbudgefornoman’spleasure,I.
EnterRomeo
TYBALT.Well,peacebewithyou,sir.Herecomesmy
man.
MERCUTIO.ButI’llbehang’d,sir,ifhewearyourlivery:
Marry,gobeforetofield,he’llbeyourfollower;
Yourworshipinthatsensemaycallhim‘man.’
TYBALT.Romeo,thehateIbeartheecanafford
Nobettertermthanthis,—thouartavillain.
ROMEO.Tybalt,thereasonthatIhavetolovethee
Dothmuchexcusetheappertainingrage
Tosuchagreeting;villainamInone,
Thereforefarewell;Iseethouknow’stmenot.
TYBALT.Boy,thisshallnotexcusetheinjuries
Thatthouhastdoneme;thereforeturnanddraw.
ROMEO.IdoprotestIneverinjur ’dthee,
Butlovetheebetterthanthoucanstdevise,
Tillthoushaltknowthereasonofmylove:
Andso,goodCapulet,whichnameItender
Asdearlyasmyown,besatisfied.
MERCUTIO.Ocalm,dishonourable,vilesubmission!
Allastoccatacarriesitaway.Draws
Tybalt,yourat-catcher,willyouwalk?
TYBALT.Whatwouldstthouhavewithme?
MERCUTIO.Goodkingofcats,nothingbutoneofyournine
lives,thatImeantomakeboldwithal,and,asyoushall
usemehereafter,dry-beattherestoftheeight.Willyou
pluckyourswordoutofhispilcherbytheears?make
haste,lestminebeaboutyourearsereitbeout.
TYBALT.(Drawing)Iamforyou.
ROMEO.GentleMercutio,putthyrapierup.
MERCUTIO.Come,sir,yourpassado.Theyfight
ROMEO.Draw,Benvolio;beatdowntheirweapons.
Gentlemen,forshame,forbearthisoutrage!
Tybalt,Mercutio,theprinceexpresslyhath
ForbiddenbandyinginVeronastreets.
Hold,Tybalt!goodMercutio!
ExeuntTybaltandhisPartisans
MERCUTIO.Iamhurt.
Aplagueo’bothyourhouses!Iamsped.
Ishegone,andhathnothing?
BENVOLIO.What!artthouhurt?
MERCUTIO.Ay,ay,ascratch,ascratch;marry,’tisenough.
Whereismypage?Go,villain,fetchasurgeon.
ExitPage
ROMEO.Courage,man;thehurtcannotbemuch.
MERCUTIO.No,’tisnotsodeepasawell,norsowideasa
churchdoor;but’tisenough,’twillserve:askforme
to-morrow,andyoushallfindmeagraveman.Iam
peppered,Iwarrant,forthisworld.Aplagueo’both
yourhouses!Zounds,adog,arat,amouse,acat,to
scratchamantodeath!abraggart,arogue,avillain,
thatfightsbythebookofarithmetic!Whythedevil
cameyoubetweenus?Iwashurtunderyourarm.
ROMEO.Ithoughtallforthebest.
MERCUTIO.Helpmeintosomehouse,Benvolio,
OrIshallfaint.Aplagueo’bothyourhouses!
Theyhavemadeworms’meatofme:Ihaveit,
Andsoundlytoo:—yourhouses!
ExeuntMercutioandBenvolio
ROMEO.Thisgentleman,theprince’snearally,
Myveryfriend,hathgothismortalhurt
Inmybehalf;myreputationstain’d
WithTybalt’sslander,Tybalt,thatanhour
Hathbeenmykinsman.OsweetJuliet!
Thybeautyhathmademeeffeminate,
Andinmytempersoften’dvalour ’ssteel!
Re-enterBenvolio
BENVOLIO.ORomeo,Romeo!braveMercutio’sdead;
Thatgallantspirithathaspir ’dtheclouds,
Whichtoountimelyheredidscorntheearth.
ROMEO.Thisday’sblackfateonmoredaysdothdepend;
Thisbutbeginsthewoeothersmustend.
Re-enterTybalt
BENVOLIO.HerecomesthefuriousTybaltbackagain.
ROMEO.Alive!intriumph!andMercutioslain!
Awaytoheaven,respectivelenity,
Andfire-ey’dfurybemyconductnow!
Now,Tybalt,takethevillainbackagain
Thatlatethougav’stme;forMercutio’ssoul
Isbutalittlewayaboveourheads,
Stayingforthinetokeephimcompany:
Eitherthou,orI,orboth,mustgowithhim.
TYBALT.Thouwretchedboy,thatdidstconsorthimhere,
Shaltwithhimhence.
ROMEO.Thisshalldeterminethat.
Theyfight:Tybaltfalls
BENVOLIO.Romeo,away!begone!
Thecitizensareup,andTybaltslain.
Standnotamaz’d:theprincewilldoomtheedeath
Ifthouarttaken:hence!begone!away!
ROMEO.O!IamFortune’sfool.
BENVOLIO.Whydostthoustay?
ExitRomeo
EnterCitizens,&c.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Whichwayranhethatkill’dMercutio?
Tybalt,thatmurderer,whichwayranhe?
BENVOLIO.ThereliesthatTybalt.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Up,sir,gowithme.
Ichargetheeintheprince’sname,obey.
EnterPrince,attended;Montague,Capulet,
theirWives,andOthers
PRINCE.Wherearethevilebeginnersofthisfray?
BENVOLIO.Onobleprince!Icandiscoverall
Theunluckymanageofthisfatalbrawl:
Thereliestheman,slainbyyoungRomeo,
Thatslewthykinsman,braveMercutio.
LADYCAPULET.Tybalt,mycousin!Omybrother ’schild!
Oprince!Ocousin!husband!O!thebloodisspill’d
Ofmydearkinsman.Prince,asthouarttrue,
ForbloodofoursshedbloodofMontague.
Ocousin,cousin!
PRINCE.Benvolio,whobeganthisbloodyfray?
BENVOLIO.Tybalt,hereslain,whomRomeo’shanddid
slay:
Romeo,thatspokehimfair,badehimbethink
Hownicethequarrelwas,andurg’dwithal
Yourhighdispleasure:allthis,uttered
Withgentlebreath,calmlook,kneeshumblybow’d,
Couldnottaketrucewiththeunrulyspleen
OfTybaltdeaftopeace,butthathetilts
WithpiercingsteelatboldMercutio’sbreast,
Who,allashot,turnsdeadlypointtopoint,
And,withamartialscorn,withonehandbeats
Colddeathaside,andwiththeothersends
ItbacktoTybalt,whosedexterity
Retortsit:Romeohecriesaloud,
‘Hold,friends!friends,part!’and,swifterthanhis
tongue,
Hisagilearmbeatsdowntheirfatalpoints,
And’twixtthemrushes;underneathwhosearm
AnenviousthrustfromTybalthitthelife
OfstoutMercutio,andthenTybaltfled;
ButbyandbycomesbacktoRomeo,
Whohadbutnewlyentertain’drevenge,
Andto’ttheygolikelightning,for,ereI
Coulddrawtopartthem,wasstoutTybaltslain,
And,ashefell,didRomeoturnandfly.
Thisisthetruth,orletBenvoliodie.
LADYCAPULET.HeisakinsmantotheMontague;
Affectionmakeshimfalse,hespeaksnottrue:
Sometwentyofthemfoughtinthisblackstrife
Andallthosetwentycouldbutkillonelife.
Ibegforjustice,whichthou,prince,mustgive;
RomeoslewTybalt,Romeomustnotlive.
PRINCE.Romeoslewhim,heslewMercutio;
Whonowthepriceofhisdearblooddothowe?
MONTAGUE.NotRomeo,prince,hewasMercutio’sfriend,
Hisfaultconcludesbutwhatthelawshouldend,
ThelifeofTybalt.
PRINCE.Andforthatoffence
Immediatelywedoexilehimhence:
Ihaveaninterestinyourhate’sproceeding,
Mybloodforyourrudebrawlsdothliea-bleeding;
ButI’llamerceyouwithsostrongafine
Thatyoushallallrepentthelossofmine.
Iwillbedeaftopleadingandexcuses;
Nortearsnorprayersshallpurchaseoutabuses;
Thereforeusenone;letRomeohenceinhaste,
Else,whenhe’sfound,thathourishislast.
Bearhencethisbodyandattendourwill:
Mercybutmurders,pardoningthosethatkill.Exeunt
SCENETWO
Capulet’sOrchard.
EnterJuliet
JULIET.Gallopapace,youfiery-footedsteeds,
TowardsPhoebus’lodging;suchawaggoner
AsPhaethonwouldwhipyoutothewest,
Andbringincloudynightimmediately.
Spreadthyclosecurtain,love-performingnight!
Thatrunaway’seyesmaywink,andRomeo
Leaptothesearms,untalk’dofandunseen!
Loverscanseetodotheiramorousrites
Bytheirownbeauties;or,iflovebeblind,
Itbestagreeswithnight.Come,civilnight,
Thousober-suitedmatron,allinblack,
Andlearnmehowtoloseawinningmatch,
Play’dforapairofstainlessmaidenhoods:
Hoodmyunmann’dblood,batinginmycheeks,
Withthyblackmantle;tillstrangelove,grownbold,
Thinktrueloveactedsimplemodesty.
Come,night!come,Romeo!come,thoudayinnight!
Forthouwiltlieuponthewingsofnight,
Whiterthannewsnowonaraven’sback.
Come,gentlenight;come,loving,black-brow’dnight,
GivememyRomeo:and,whenheshalldie,
Takehimandcuthimoutinlittlestars,
Andhewillmakethefaceofheavensofine
Thatalltheworldwillbeinlovewithnight,
Andpaynoworshiptothegarishsun.
O!Ihaveboughtthemansionofalove,
Butnotpossess’dit,and,thoughIamsold,
Notyetenjoy’d.Sotediousisthisday
Asisthenightbeforesomefestival
Toanimpatientchildthathathnewrobes
Andmaynotwearthem.O!herecomesmynurse,
EnterNursewithcords
Andshebringsnews;andeverytonguethatspeaks
ButRomeo’snamespeaksheavenlyeloquence.
Now,nurse,whatnews?Whathastthouthere?the
cords
ThatRomeobadetheefetch?
NURSE.Ay,ay,thecords.
Throwsthemdown
JULIET.Ahme!whatnews?whydostthouwringthy
hands?
NURSE.Ahwell-a-day!he’sdead,he’sdead,he’sdead!
Weareundone,lady,weareundone!
Alacktheday!he’sgone,he’skill’d,he’sdead!
JULIET.Canheavenbesoenvious?
NURSE.Romeocan,
Thoughheavencannot.O!Romeo,Romeo;
Whoeverwouldhavethoughtit?Romeo!
JULIET.Whatdevilartthouthatdosttormentmethus?
Thistortureshouldberoar ’dindismalhell.
HathRomeoslainhimself?saythoubut‘I,’
Andthatbarevowel,‘I,’shallpoisonmore
Thanthedeath-dartingeyeofcockatrice:
IamnotI,iftherebesuchan‘I’;
Orthoseeyesshutthatmaketheeanswer‘I.’
Ifhebeslain,say‘I’;orifnot,‘no’:
Briefsoundsdetermineofmywealorwoe.
NURSE.Isawthewound,Isawitwithmineeyes,
Godsavethemark!hereonhismanlybreast:
Apiteouscorse,abloodypiteouscorse;
Pale,paleasashes,allbedaub’dinblood,
Allingoreblood;Iswoundedatthesight.
JULIET.Obreak,myheart!—poorbankrupt,breakatonce!
Toprison,eyes,ne’erlookonliberty!
Vileearth,toearthresign;endmotionhere;
AndthouandRomeopressoneheavybier!
NURSE.OTybalt,Tybalt!thebestfriendIhad:
OcourteousTybalt!honestgentleman!
ThateverIshouldlivetoseetheedead!
JULIET.Whatstormisthisthatblowssocontrary?
IsRomeoslaughter ’d,andisTybaltdead?
Mydearestcousin,andmydearerlord?
Then,dreadfultrumpet,soundthegeneraldoom!
Forwhoislivingifthosetwoaregone?
NURSE.Tybaltisgone,andRomeobanished;
Romeo,thatkill’dhim,heisbanished.
JULIET.OGod!didRomeo’shandshedTybalt’sblood?
NURSE.Itdid,itdid;alastheday!itdid.
JULIET.Oserpentheart,hidwithafloweringface!
Dideverdragonkeepsofairacave?
Beautifultyrant!fiendangelical!
Dove-feather ’draven!wolvish-raveninglamb!
Despisedsubstanceofdivinestshow!
Justoppositetowhatthoujustlyseem’st;
Adamnedsaint,anhonourablevillain!
O,nature!whathadstthoutodoinhell
Whenthoudidstbowerthespiritofafiend
Inmortalparadiseofsuchsweetflesh?
Waseverbookcontainingsuchvilematter
Sofairlybound?O!thatdeceitshoulddwell
Insuchagorgeouspalace.
NURSE.There’snotrust,
Nofaith,nohonestyinmen;allnaught,
Allperjur ’d,alldissemblers,allforsworn.
Ah!where’smyman?givemesomeaquavitæ:
Thesegriefs,thesewoes,thesesorrowsmakemeold.
ShamecometoRomeo!
JULIET.Blister ’dbethytongue
Forsuchawish!hewasnotborntoshame:
Uponhisbrowshameisasham’dtosit;
For’tisathronewherehonourmaybecrown’d
Solemonarchoftheuniversalearth.
O!whatabeastwasItochideathim.
NURSE.Willyouspeakwellofhimthatkill’dyourcousin?
JULIET.ShallIspeakillofhimthatismyhusband?
Ah!poormylord,whattongueshallsmooththyname,
WhenI,thythree-hourswife,havemangledit?
But,wherefore,villain,didstthoukillmycousin?
Thatvillaincousinwouldhavekill’dmyhusband:
Back,foolishtears,backtoyournativespring;
Yourtributarydropsbelongtowoe,
Whichyou,mistaking,offeruptojoy.
Myhusbandlives,thatTybaltwouldhaveslain;
AndTybalt’sdead,thatwouldhaveslainmyhusband:
Allthisiscomfort;whereforeweepIthen?
Somewordtherewas,worserthanTybalt’sdeath,
Thatmurder ’dme:Iwouldforgetitfain;
ButO!itpressestomymemory,
Likedamnedguiltydeedstosinners’minds.
‘Tybaltisdead,andRomeobanished’!
That‘banished,’thatoneword‘banished,’
HathslaintenthousandTybalts.Tybalt’sdeath
Waswoeenough,ifithadendedthere:
Or,ifsourwoedelightsinfellowship,
Andneedlywillberank’dwithothergriefs,
Whyfollow’dnot,whenshesaid‘Tybalt’sdead,’
Thyfather,orthymother,nay,orboth,
Whichmodernlamentationmighthavemov’d?
ButwitharearwardfollowingTybalt’sdeath,
‘Romeoisbanished’!tospeakthatword
Isfather,mother,Tybalt,Romeo,Juliet,
Allslain,alldead:‘Romeoisbanished’!
Thereisnoend,nolimit,measure,bound
Inthatword’sdeath;nowordscanthatwoesound.—
Whereismyfatherandmymother,nurse?
NURSE.WeepingandwailingoverTybalt’scorse:
Willyougotothem?Iwillbringyouthither.
JULIET.Washtheyhiswoundswithtears:mineshallbe
spent,
Whentheirsaredry,forRomeo’sbanishment.
Takeupthosecords.Poorropes,youarebeguil’d,
BothyouandI,forRomeoisexil’d:
Hemadeyouforahighwaytomybed,
ButI,amaid,diemaiden-widowed.
Come,cords;come,nurse;I’lltomywedding-bed;
Anddeath,notRomeo,takemymaidenhead!
NURSE.Hietoyourchamber;I’llfindRomeo
Tocomfortyou:Iwotwellwhereheis.
Harkye,yourRomeowillbehereto-night:
I’lltohim;heishidatLaurence’cell.
JULIET.O!findhim;givethisringtomytrueknight,
Andbidhimcometotakehislastfarewell.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
FriarLaurence’sCell.
EnterFriarLaurence
FRIARLAURENCE.Romeo,comeforth;comeforth,thou
fearfulman:
Afflictionisenamour ’dofthyparts,
Andthouartweddedtocalamity.
EnterRomeo
ROMEO.Father,whatnews?whatistheprince’sdoom?
Whatsorrowcravesacquaintanceatmyhand,
ThatIyetknownot?
FRIARLAURENCE.Toofamiliar
Ismydearsonwithsuchsourcompany:
Ibringtheetidingsoftheprince’sdoom.
ROMEO.Whatlessthandoomsdayistheprince’sdoom?
FRIARLAURENCE.Agentlerjudgmentvanish’dfromhis
lips,
Notbody’sdeath,butbody’sbanishment.
ROMEO.Ha!banishment!bemerciful,say‘death’;
Forexilehathmoreterrorinhislook,
Muchmorethandeath:donotsay‘banishment.’
FRIARLAURENCE.HencefromVeronaartthoubanished.
Bepatient,fortheworldisbroadandwide.
ROMEO.ThereisnoworldwithoutVeronawalls,
Butpurgatory,torture,hellitself.
Hencebanishedisbanish’dfromtheworld,
Andworld’sexileisdeath;then‘banished,’
Isdeathmis-term’d.Callingdeath‘banished,’
Thoucutt’stmyheadoffwithagoldenaxe,
Andsmil’stuponthestrokethatmurdersme.
FRIARLAURENCE.Odeadlysin!Orudeunthankfulness!
Thyfaultourlawcallsdeath;butthekindprince,
Takingthypart,hathrush’dasidethelaw,
Andturn’dthatblackworddeathtobanishment:
Thisisdearmercy,andthouseestitnot.
ROMEO.’Tistorture,andnotmercy:heavenishere,
WhereJulietlives;andeverycatanddog
Andlittlemouse,everyunworthything,
Livehereinheavenandmaylookonher;
ButRomeomaynot:morevalidity,
Morehonourablestate,morecourtshiplives
IncarrionfliesthanRomeo:theymayseize
OnthewhitewonderofdearJuliet’shand,
Andstealimmortalblessingfromherlips,
Who,eveninpureandvestalmodesty,
Stillblush,asthinkingtheirownkissessin;
Fliesmaydothis,butIfromthismustfly:
Theyarefreemen,butIambanished.
Andsaystthouyetthatexileisnotdeath?
Hadstthounopoisonmix’d,nosharp-groundknife,
Nosuddenmeanofdeath,thoughne’ersomean,
But‘banished’tokillme?‘Banished’!
Ofriar!thedamnedusethatwordinhell;
Howlingsattendit:howhastthoutheheart,
Beingadivine,aghostlyconfessor,
Asin-absolver,andmyfriendprofess’d,
Tomanglemewiththatword‘banished’?
FRIARLAURENCE.Thoufondmadman,hearmebutspeak
aword.
ROMEO.O!thouwiltspeakagainofbanishment.
FRIARLAURENCE.I’llgivetheearmourtokeepoffthat
word;
Adversity’ssweetmilk,philosophy,
Tocomfortthee,thoughthouartbanished.
ROMEO.Yet‘banished’!Hangupphilosophy.
UnlessphilosophycanmakeaJuliet,
Displantatown,reverseaprince’sdoom,
Ithelpsnot,itprevailsnot:talknomore.
FRIARLAURENCE.O!thenIseethatmadmenhavenoears.
ROMEO.Howshouldthey,whenthatwisemenhavenoeyes?
FRIARLAURENCE.Letmedisputewiththeeofthyestate.
ROMEO.Thoucanstnotspeakofthatthoudostnotfeel:
WertthouasyoungasI,Julietthylove,
Anhourbutmarried,Tybaltmurdered,
Dotinglikeme,andlikemebanished,
Thenmightstthouspeak,thenmightstthoutearthyhair,
Andfallupontheground,asIdonow,
Takingthemeasureofanunmadegrave.
Knockingwithin
FRIARLAURENCE.Arise;oneknocks:goodRomeo,hide
thyself.
ROMEO.NotI;unlessthebreathofheart-sickgroans,
Mist-like,infoldmefromthesearchofeyes.Knocking
FRIARLAURENCE.Hark!howtheyknock.Who’sthere?
Romeo,arise;
Thouwiltbetaken.Stayawhile!Standup;Knocking
Runtomystudy.Byandby!God’swill!
Whatwilfulnessisthis!Icome,Icome!Knocking
Whoknockssohard?whencecomeyou?What’syour
will?
NURSE.(Within)Letmecomein,andyoushallknowmy
errand:
IcomefromLadyJuliet.
FRIARLAURENCE.Welcome,then.
EnterNurse
NURSE.Oholyfriar!O!tellme,holyfriar,
Whereismylady’slord?where’sRomeo?
FRIARLAURENCE.Thereontheground,withhisowntears
madedrunk.
NURSE.O!heiseveninmymistress’case,
Justinhercase!
FRIARLAURENCE.Owoefulsympathy!
Piteouspredicament!Evensoliesshe,
Blubberingandweeping,weepingandblubbering.
Standup,standup;stand,anyoubeaman:
ForJuliet’ssake,forhersake,riseandstand;
WhyshouldyoufallintosodeepanO?
ROMEO.Nurse!
NURSE.Ah,sir!ah,sir!Well,death’stheendofall.
ROMEO.Spak’stthouofJuliet?howisitwithher?
Dothshenotthinkmeanoldmurderer,
NowIhavestain’dthechildhoodofourjoy
Withbloodremov’dbutlittlefromherown?
Whereisshe?andhowdothshe?andwhatsays
Myconceal’dladytoourcancell’dlove?
NURSE.O!shesaysnothing,sir,butweepsandweeps;
Andnowfallsonherbed;andthenstartsup,
AndTybaltcalls,andthenonRomeocries,
Andthendownfallsagain.
ROMEO.Asifthatname,
Shotfromthedeadlylevelofagun,
Didmurderher;asthatname’scursedhand
Murder ’dherkinsman.O!tellme,friar,tellme,
Inwhatvilepartofthisanatomy
Dothmynamelodge?tellme,thatImaysack
Thehatefulmansion.Drawinghissword
FRIARLAURENCE.Holdthydesperatehand:
Artthouaman?thyformcriesoutthouart:
Thytearsarewomanish;thywildactsdenote
Theunreasonablefuryofabeast:
Unseemlywomaninaseemingman;
Orill-beseemingbeastinseemingboth!
Thouhastamaz’dme:bymyholyorder,
Ithoughtthydispositionbettertemper ’d.
HastthouslainTybalt?wiltthouslaythyself?
Andslaythyladythatinthylifelives,
Bydoingdamnedhateuponthyself?
Whyrail’stthouonthybirth,theheaven,andearth?
Sincebirth,andheaven,andearth,allthreedomeet
Intheeatonce,whichthouatoncewouldstlose.
Fie,fie!thousham’stthyshape,thylove,thywit,
Which,likeausurer,abound’stinall,
Andusestnoneinthattrueuseindeed
Whichshouldbedeckthyshape,thylove,thywit.
Thynobleshapeisbutaformofwax,
Digressingfromthevalourofaman;
Thydearlove,sworn,buthollowperjury,
Killingthatlovewhichthouhastvow’dtocherish;
Thywit,thatornamenttoshapeandlove,
Misshapenintheconductofthemboth,
Likepowderinaskillesssoldier ’sflask,
Toseta-firebythineownignorance,
Andthoudismember ’dwiththineowndefence.
What!rousethee,man;thyJulietisalive,
Forwhosedearsakethouwastbutlatelydead;
Thereartthouhappy:Tybaltwouldkillthee,
Butthouslew’stTybalt;thereartthouhappytoo:
Thelawthatthreaten’ddeathbecomesthyfriend,
Andturnsittoexile;thereartthouhappy:
Apackofblessingslightuponthyback;
Happinesscourtstheeinherbestarray;
But,likeamisbehav’dandsullenwench,
Thoupout’stuponthyfortuneandthylove.
Takeheed,takeheed,forsuchdiemiserable.
Go,gettheetothylove,aswasdecreed,
Ascendherchamber,henceandcomforther;
Butlookthoustaynottillthewatchbeset,
ForthenthoucanstnotpasstoMantua;
Wherethoushaltlive,tillwecanfindatime
Toblazeyourmarriage,reconcileyourfriends,
Begpardonoftheprince,andcalltheeback
Withtwentyhundredthousandtimesmorejoy
Thanthouwent’stforthinlamentation.
Gobefore,nurse:commendmetothylady;
Andbidherhastenallthehousetobed,
Whichheavysorrowmakesthemaptunto:
Romeoiscoming.
NURSE.OLord!Icouldhavestay’dhereallthenight
Toheargoodcounsel:O!whatlearningis.
Mylord,I’lltellmyladyyouwillcome.
ROMEO.Doso,andbidmysweetpreparetochide.
NURSE.Here,sir,aringshebidmegiveyou,sir.
Hieyou,makehaste,foritgrowsverylate.Exit
ROMEO.Howwellmycomfortisreviv’dbythis!
FRIARLAURENCE.Gohence;good-night;andherestands
allyourstate:
Eitherbegonebeforethewatchbeset,
Orbythebreakofdaydisguis’dfromhence:
SojourninMantua;I‘llfindoutyourman,
Andheshallsignifyfromtimetotime
Everygoodhaptoyouthatchanceshere.
Givemethyhand;’tislate:farewell;good-night.
ROMEO.Butthatajoypastjoycallsoutonme,
Itwereagriefsobrieftopartwiththee:
Farewell.Exeunt
SCENEFOUR
ARoominCapulet’sHouse.
EnterCapulet,LadyCapulet,andParis
CAPULET.Thingshavefall’nout,sir,sounluckily,
Thatwehavehadnotimetomoveourdaughter:
Lookyou,shelov’dherkinsmanTybaltdearly,
AndsodidI:well,wewereborntodie.
’Tisverylate,she’llnotcomedownto-night:
Ipromiseyou,butforyourcompany,
Iwouldhavebeena-bedanhourago.
PARIS.Thesetimesofwoeaffordnotimetowoo.
Madam,good-night:commendmetoyourdaughter.
LADYCAPULET.Iwill,andknowhermind,earlyto-morrow;
To-nightshe’smew’duptoherheaviness.
CAPULET.SirParis,Iwillmakeadesperatetender
Ofmychild’slove:Ithinkshewillberul’d
Inallrespectsbyme;nay,more,Idoubtitnot.
Wife,goyoutoherereyougotobed;
AcquaintherhereofmysonParis’love;
Andbidher,markyoume,onWednesdaynext—
But,soft!whatdayisthis?
PARIS.Monday,mylord.
CAPULET.Monday!ha,ha!Well,Wednesdayistoosoon;
O’Thursdayletitbe:o’Thursday,tellher,
Sheshallbemarriedtothisnobleearl.
Willyoubeready?doyoulikethishaste?
We’llkeepnogreatado;afriendortwo;
For,harkyou,Tybaltbeingslainsolate,
Itmaybethoughtweheldhimcarelessly,
Beingourkinsman,ifwerevelmuch.
Thereforewe’llhavesomehalfadozenfriends,
Andthereanend.ButwhatsayyoutoThursday?
PARIS.Mylord,IwouldthatThursdaywereto-morrow.
CAPULET.Well,getyougone:o’Thursdaybeitthen.
GoyoutoJulietereyougotobed,
Prepareher,wife,againstthiswedding-day.
Farewell,mylord.Lighttomychamber,ho!
Aforeme!itissoveryverylate,
Thatwemaycallitearlybyandby.
Good-night.Exeunt
SCENEFIVE
Capulet’sOrchard.
EnterRomeoandJuliet,above,atthewindow
JULIET.Wiltthoubegone?itisnotyetnearday.
Itwasthenightingale,andnotthelark,
Thatpierc’dthefearfulhollowofthineear;
Nightlyshesingsonyonpomegranate-tree:
Believeme,love,itwasthenightingale.
ROMEO.Itwasthelark,theheraldofthemorn,
Nonightingale:look,love,whatenviousstreaks
Dolacetheseveringcloudsinyondereast:
Night’scandlesareburntout,andjocundday
Standstiptoeonthemistymountaintops:
Imustbegoneandlive,orstayanddie.
JULIET.Yonlightisnotdaylight,Iknowit,I:
Itissomemeteorthatthesunexhales,
Tobetotheethisnightatorch-bearer,
AndlighttheeonthywaytoMantua:
Thereforestayyet;thouneed’stnotbegone.
ROMEO.Letmebeta’en,letmebeputtodeath;
Iamcontent,sothouwilthaveitso.
I’llsayyongreyisnotthemorning’seye,
’TisbutthepalereflexofCynthia’sbrow;
Northatisnotthelark,whosenotesdobeat
Thevaultyheavensohighaboveourheads:
Ihavemorecaretostaythanwilltogo:
Come,death,andwelcome!Julietwillsitso.
Howis’t,mysoul?let’stalk;itisnotday.
JULIET.Itis,itis;hiehence,begone,away!
Itisthelarkthatsingssooutoftune,
Strainingharshdiscordsandunpleasingsharps.
Somesaythelarkmakessweetdivision;
Thisdothnotso,forshedividethus:
Somesaythelarkandloathedtoadchangeeyes;
O!nowIwouldtheyhadchang’dvoicestoo,
Sincearmfromarmthatvoicedothusaffray,
Huntingtheehencewithhunts-uptotheday.
O!nowbegone;morelightandlightitgrows.
ROMEO.Morelightandlight;moredarkanddarkourwoes.
EnterNurse
NURSE.Madam!
JULIET.Nurse!
NURSE.Yourladymotheriscomingtoyourchamber:
Thedayisbroke;bewary,lookabout.Exit
JULIET.Then,window,letdayin,andletlifeout.
ROMEO.Farewell,farewell!onekiss,andI’lldescend.
Descends
JULIET.Artthougoneso?mylord,mylove,myfriend!
Imusthearfromtheeeverydayinthehour,
Forinaminutetherearemanydays:
O!bythiscountIshallbemuchinyears
EreIagainbeholdmyRomeo.
ROMEO.Farewell!
Iwillomitnoopportunity
Thatmayconveymygreetings,love,tothee.
JULIET.O!think’stthouweshallevermeetagain?
ROMEO.Idoubtitnot;andallthesewoesshallserve
Forsweetdiscoursesinourtimetocome.
JULIET.OGod!Ihaveanill-diviningsoul:
MethinksIseethee,nowthouartsolow,
Asonedeadinthebottomofatomb:
Eithermyeyesightfails,orthoulook’stpale.
ROMEO.Andtrustme,love,inmyeyesodoyou:
Drysorrowdrinksourblood.Adieu!adieu!Exit
JULIET.Ofortune,fortune!allmencalltheefickle:
Ifthouartfickle,whatdostthouwithhim
Thatisrenown’dforfaith?Befickle,fortune;
Forthen,Ihope,thouwiltnotkeephimlong,
Butsendhimback.
LADYCAPULET.(Within)Ho,daughter!areyouup?
JULIET.Whois’tthatcalls?isitmyladymother?
Isshenotdownsolate,orupsoearly?
Whatunaccustom’dcauseprocuresherhither?
EnterLadyCapulet
LADYCAPULET.Why,hownow,Juliet!
JULIET.Madam,Iamnotwell.
LADYCAPULET.Evermoreweepingforyourcousin’sdeath?
What!wiltthouwashhimfromhisgravewithtears?
Andifthoucouldst,thoucouldstnotmakehimlive;
Therefore,havedone:somegriefshowsmuchoflove;
Butmuchofgriefshowsstillsomewantofwit.
JULIET.Yetletmeweepforsuchafeelingloss.
LADYCAPULET.Soshallyoufeeltheloss,butnotthe
friend
Whichyouweepfor.
JULIET.Feelingsotheloss,
Icannotchoosebuteverweepthefriend.
LADYCAPULET.Well,girl,thouweep’stnotsomuchforhis
death,
Asthatthevillainliveswhichslaughter ’dhim.
JULIET.Whatvillain,madam?
LADYCAPULET.Thatsamevillain,Romeo.
JULIET.(Aside)Villainandhebemanymilesasunder.
Godpardonhim!Ido,withallmyheart;
Andyetnomanlikehedothgrievemyheart.
LADYCAPULET.Thatisbecausethetraitormurdererlives.
JULIET.Ay,madam,fromthereachofthesemyhands.
WouldnonebutImightvengemycousin’sdeath!
LADYCAPULET.Wewillhavevengeanceforit,fearthou
not:
Thenweepnomore.I’llsendtooneinMantua,
Wherethatsamebanish’drunagatedothlive,
Shallgivehimsuchanunaccustom’ddram
ThatheshallsoonkeepTybaltcompany:
Andthen,Ihope,thouwiltbesatisfied.
JULIET.Indeed,Inevershallbesatisfied
WithRomeo,tillIbeholdhim—dead—
Ismypoorheartsoforakinsmanvex’d:
Madam,ifyoucouldfindoutbutaman
Tobearapoison,Iwouldtemperit,
ThatRomeoshould,uponreceiptthereof,
Soonsleepinquiet.O!howmyheartabhors
Tohearhimnam’d,andcannotcometohim,
TowreaktheloveIboremycousinTybalt
Uponhisbodythathathslaughter ’dhim.
LADYCAPULET.Findthouthemeans,andI’llfindsucha
man.
ButnowI’lltelltheejoyfultidings,girl.
JULIET.Andjoycomeswellinsuchaneedytime:
Whatarethey,Ibeseechyourladyship?
LADYCAPULET.Well,well,thouhastacarefulfather,child;
Onewho,toputtheefromthyheaviness,
Hathsortedoutasuddendayofjoy
Thatthouexpect’stnot,norIlook’dnotfor.
JULIET.Madam,inhappytime,whatdayisthat?
LADYCAPULET.Marry,mychild,earlynextThursdaymorn
Thegallant,young,andnoblegentleman,
TheCountyParis,atSaintPeter ’schurch,
Shallhappilymaketheethereajoyfulbride.
JULIET.Now,bySaintPeter ’schurch,andPetertoo,
Heshallnotmakemethereajoyfulbride.
Iwonderatthishaste;thatImustwed
Erehethatshouldbehusbandcomestowoo.
Iprayyou,tellmylordandfather,madam,
Iwillnotmarryyet;and,whenIdo,Iswear,
ItshallbeRomeo,whomyouknowIhate,
RatherthanParis.Thesearenewsindeed!
LADYCAPULET.Herecomesyourfather;tellhimsoyour-
self,
Andseehowhewilltakeitatyourhands.
EnterCapuletandNurse
CAPULET.Whenthesunsets,theairdothdrizzledew;
Butforthesunsetofmybrother ’sson
Itrainsdownright.
Hownow!aconduit,girl?what!stillintears?
Evermoreshowering?Inonelittlebody
Thoucounterfeit’stabark,asea,awind;
Forstillthyeyes,whichImaycallthesea,
Doebbandflowwithtears;thebarkthybodyis,
Sailinginthissaltflood;thewinds,thysighs;
Who,ragingwiththytears,andtheywiththem,
Withoutasuddencalm,willoverset
Thytempest-tossedbody.Hownow,wife!
Haveyoudeliver ’dtoherourdecree?
LADYCAPULET.Ay,sir;butshewillnone,shegivesyou
thanks.
Iwouldthefoolweremarriedtohergrave!
CAPULET.Soft!takemewithyou,takemewithyou,wife.
How!willshenone?dothshenotgiveusthanks?
Isshenotproud?dothshenotcountherbless’d,
Unworthyassheis,thatwehavewrought
Soworthyagentlemantobeherbridegroom?
JULIET.Notproud,youhave;butthankful,thatyouhave:
ProudcanIneverbeofwhatIhate;
Butthankfulevenforhate,thatismeantlove.
CAPULET.Hownow!hownow,chop-logic!Whatisthis?
‘Proud,’and‘Ithankyou,’and‘Ithankyounot’;
Andyet‘notproud’;mistressminion,you,
Thankmenothankings,norproudmenoprouds,
Butfettleyourfinejoints’gainstThursdaynext,
TogowithParistoSaintPeter ’schurch,
OrIwilldragtheeonahurdlethither.
Out,yougreen-sicknesscarrion!out,youbaggage!
Youtallowface!
LADYCAPULET.Fie,fie!what,areyoumad?
JULIET.Goodfather,Ibeseechyouonmyknees,
Hearmewithpatiencebuttospeakaword.
CAPULET.Hangthee,youngbaggage!disobedientwretch!
Itelltheewhat,gettheetochurcho’Thursday,
Orneverafterlookmeintheface,
Speaknot,replynot,donotanswerme;
Myfingersitch.—Wife,wescarcethoughtusbless’d
ThatGodhadlentusbutthisonlychild;
ButnowIseethisoneisonetoomuch,
Andthatwehaveacurseinhavingher.
Outonher,hilding!
NURSE.Godinheavenblessher!
Youaretoblame,mylord,torateherso.
CAPULET.Andwhy,myladywisdom?holdyourtongue,
Goodprudence;smatterwithyourgossips,go.
NURSE.Ispeaknotreason.
CAPULET.O!Godyegoodden.
NURSE.Maynotonespeak?
CAPULET.Peace,youmumblingfool;
Utteryourgravityo’eragossip’sbowl;
Forhereweneeditnot.
LADYCAPULET.Youaretoohot.
CAPULET.God’sbread!itmakesmemad.
Day,night,hour,tide,time,work,play,
Alone,incompany,stillmycarehathbeen
Tohavehermatch’d;andhavingnowprovided
Agentlemanofnobleparentage,
Offairdemesnes,youthful,andnoblytrain’d,
Stuff’d,astheysay,withhonourableparts,
Proportion’dasone’sthoughtwouldwishaman!
Andthentohaveawretchedpulingfool,
Awhiningmammet,inherfortune’stender,
Toanswer‘I’llnotwed,’‘Icannotlove,’
‘Iamtooyoung,’‘Iprayyou,pardonme’;
But,anyouwillnotwed,I’llpardonyou:
Grazewhereyouwill,youshallnothousewithme:
Lookto’t,thinkon’t,Idonotusetojest.
Thursdayisnear;layhandonheart,advise.
Anyoubemine,I’llgiveyoutomyfriend;
Anyoubenot,hang,beg,starve,dieinthestreets,
For,bymysoul,I’llne’eracknowledgethee,
Norwhatismineshallneverdotheegood.
Trustto’t,bethinkyou;I’llnotbeforsworn.Exit
JULIET.Istherenopitysittingintheclouds,
Thatseesintothebottomofmygrief?
O!sweetmymother,castmenotaway:
Delaythismarriageforamonth,aweek;
Or,ifyoudonot,makethebridalbed
InthatdimmonumentwhereTybaltlies.
LADYCAPULET.Talknottome,forI’llnotspeakaword.
Doasthouwilt,forIhavedonewiththee.Exit
JULIET.OGod!—Onurse!howshallthisbeprevented?
Myhusbandisonearth,myfaithinheaven;
Howshallthatfaithreturnagaintoearth,
Unlessthathusbandsenditmefromheaven
Byleavingearth?comfortme,counselme.
Alack,alack!thatheavenshouldpractisestratagems
Uponsosoftasubjectasmyself!
Whatsaystthou?hastthounotawordofjoy?
Somecomfort,nurse?
NURSE.Faith,hereitis.Romeo
Isbanished;andalltheworldtonothing
Thathedaresne’ercomebacktochallengeyou;
Or,ifhedo,itneedsmustbebystealth.
Then,sincethecasesostandsasnowitdoth,
Ithinkitbestyoumarriedwiththecounty.
O!he’salovelygentleman;
Romeo’sadishclouttohim:aneagle,madam,
Hathnotsogreen,soquick,sofairaneye
AsParishath.Beshrewmyveryheart,
Ithinkyouarehappyinthissecondmatch,
Foritexcelsyourfirst:orifitdidnot,
Yourfirstisdead;or’twereasgoodhewere,
Aslivinghereandyounouseofhim.
JULIET.Speakestthoufromthyheart?
NURSE.Andfrommysoultoo;
Orelsebeshrewthemboth.
JULIET.Amen!
NURSE.What!
JULIET.Well,thouhastcomfortedmemarvellousmuch.
Goin;andtellmyladyIamgone,
Havingdispleas’dmyfather,toLaurence’cell,
Tomakeconfessionandtobeabsolv’d.
NURSE.Marry,Iwill;andthisiswiselydone.Exit
JULIET.Ancientdamnation!Omostwickedfiend!
Isitmoresintowishmethusforsworn,
Ortodispraisemylordwiththatsametongue
Whichshehathprais’dhimwithabovecompare
Somanythousandtimes?Go,counsellor;
Thouandmybosomhenceforthshallbetwain.
I’lltothefriar,toknowhisremedy:
Ifallelsefail,myselfhavepowertodie.Exit
ACTFOUR
SCENEONE
Verona.FriarLaurence’sCell.
EnterFriarLaurenceandParis
FRIARLAURENCE.OnThursday,sir?thetimeisveryshort.
PARIS.MyfatherCapuletwillhaveitso;
AndIamnothingslowtoslackhishaste.
FRIARLAURENCE.Yousayyoudonotknowthelady’s
mind:
Unevenisthecourse,Ilikeitnot.
PARIS.ImmoderatelysheweepsforTybalt’sdeath,
AndthereforehaveIlittletalk’doflove;
ForVenussmilesnotinahouseoftears.
Now,sir,herfathercountsitdangerous
Thatshedothgivehersorrowsomuchsway,
Andinhiswisdomhastesourmarriage
Tostoptheinundationofhertears;
Which,toomuchmindedbyherselfalone,
Maybeputfromherbysociety.
Nowdoyouknowthereasonofthishaste.
FRIARLAURENCE.(Aside)IwouldIknewnotwhyitshould
beslow’d.
Look,sir,herecomestheladytowardsmycell.
EnterJuliet
PARIS.Happilymet,myladyandmywife!
JULIET.Thatmaybe,sir,whenImaybeawife.
PARIS.Thatmaybemustbe,love,onThursdaynext.
JULIET.Whatmustbeshallbe.
FRIARLAURENCE.That’sacertaintext.
PARIS.Comeyoutomakeconfessiontothisfather?
JULIET.Toanswerthat,Ishouldconfesstoyou.
PARIS.Donotdenytohimthatyouloveme.
JULIET.IwillconfesstoyouthatIlovehim.
PARIS.Sowillye,Iamsure,thatyouloveme.
JULIET.IfIdoso,itwillbeofmoreprice,
Beingspokebehindyourback,thantoyourface.
PARIS.Poorsoul,thyfaceismuchabus’dwithtears.
JULIET.Thetearshavegotsmallvictorybythat;
Foritwasbadenoughbeforetheirspite.
PARIS.Thouwrong’stit,morethantears,withthatreport.
JULIET.Thatisnoslander,sir,whichisatruth;
AndwhatIspake,Ispakeittomyface.
PARIS.Thyfaceismine,andthouhastslander ’dit.
JULIET.Itmaybeso,foritisnotmineown.
Areyouatleisure,holyfather,now;
OrshallIcometoyouateveningmass?
FRIARLAURENCE.Myleisureservesme,pensivedaughter,
now:
Mylord,wemustentreatthetimealone.
PARIS.GodshieldIshoulddisturbdevotion!
Juliet,onThursdayearlywillIrouseyou:
Tillthen,adieu:andkeepthisholykiss.Exit
JULIET.O!shutthedoor!andwhenthouhastdoneso,
Comeweepwithme;pasthope,pastcure,pasthelp!
FRIARLAURENCE.Ah!Juliet,Ialreadyknowthygrief;
Itstrainsmepastthecompassofmywits:
Ihearthoumust,andnothingmayprorogueit,
OnThursdaynextbemarriedtothiscounty.
JULIET.Tellmenot,friar,thatthouhear ’stofthis,
UnlessthoutellmehowImaypreventit:
If,inthywisdom,thoucanstgivenohelp,
Dothoubutcallmyresolutionwise,
Andwiththisknife,I’llhelpitpresently.
Godjoin’dmyheartandRomeo’s,thouourhands;
Anderethishand,bytheetoRomeoseal’d,
Shallbethelabeltoanotherdeed,
Ormytrueheartwithtreacherousrevolt
Turntoanother,thisshallslaythemboth.
Therefore,outofthylong-experienc’dtime,
Givemesomepresentcounsel;orbehold,
’Twixtmyextremesandmethisbloodyknife
Shallplaytheumpire,arbitratingthat
Whichthecommissionofthyyearsandart
Couldtonoissueoftruehonourbring.
Benotsolongtospeak;Ilongtodie,
Ifwhatthouspeak’stspeaknotofremedy.
FRIARLAURENCE.Hold,daughter;Idospyakindofhope,
Whichcravesasdesperateanexecution
Asthatisdesperatewhichwewouldprevent.
If,ratherthantomarryCountyParis,
Thouhastthestrengthofwilltoslaythyself,
Thenisitlikelythouwiltundertake
Athinglikedeathtochideawaythisshame,
Thatcop’stwithdeathhimselfto’scapefromit;
And,ifthoudar ’st,I’llgivetheeremedy.
JULIET.O!bidmeleap,ratherthanmarryParis,
Fromoffthebattlementsofyondertower;
Orwalkinthievishways;orbidmelurk
Whereserpentsare;chainmewithroaringbears;
Orshutmenightlyinacharnel-house,
O’er-cover ’dquitewithdeadmen’srattlingbones,
Withreekyshanks,andyellowchaplessskulls;
Orbidmegointoanew-madegrave
Andhidemewithadeadmaninhisshroud;
Thingsthat,tohearthemtold,havemademetremble;
AndIwilldoitwithoutfearordoubt,
Toliveanunstain’dwifetomysweetlove.
FRIARLAURENCE.Hold,then;gohome,bemerry,give
consent
TomarryParis:Wednesdayisto-morrow:
To-morrownightlookthatthouliealone,
Letnotthynurseliewiththeeinthychamber:
Takethouthisvial,beingtheninbed,
Andthisdistilledliquordrinkthouoff;
Whenpresentlythroughallthyveinsshallrun
Acoldanddrowsyhumour,fornopulse
Shallkeephisnativeprogress,butsurcease;
Nowarmth,nobreath,shalltestify,thouliv’st;
Therosesinthylipsandcheeksshallfade
Topalyashes;thyeyes’windowsfall,
Likedeath,whenheshutsupthedayoflife;
Eachpart,depriv’dofsupplegovernment,
Shall,stiffandstarkandcold,appearlikedeath;
Andinthisborrow’dlikenessofshrunkdeath
Thoushaltcontinuetwo-and-fortyhours,
Andthenawakeasfromapleasantsleep.
Now,whenthebridegroominthemorningcomes
Torousetheefromthybed,thereartthoudead:
Then—asthemannerofourcountryis—
Inthybestrobesuncover ’donthebier,
Thoushaltbebornetothatsameancientvault
WhereallthekindredoftheCapuletslie.
Inthemeantime,againstthoushaltawake,
ShallRomeobymylettersknowourdrift,
Andhithershallhecome;andheandI
Willwatchthywaking,andthatverynight
ShallRomeobeartheehencetoMantua.
Andthisshallfreetheefromthispresentshame;
Ifnounconstanttoy,norwomanishfear,
Abatethyvalourintheactingit.
JULIET.Giveme,giveme!O!tellmenotoffear!
FRIARLAURENCE.Hold;getyougone,bestrongandpros-
perous
Inthisresolve.I’llsendafriarwithspeed
ToMantua,withmyletterstothylord.
JULIET.Love,givemestrength!andstrengthshallhelp
afford.
Farewell,dearfather!Exeunt
SCENETWO
HallinCapulet’sHouse.
EnterCapulet,LadyCapulet,Nurse,andServingmen
CAPULET.Somanyguestsinviteasherearewrit.
ExitServant
Sirrah,gohiremetwentycunningcooks.
SECONDSERVANT.Youshallhavenoneill,sir;forI’lltryif
theycanlicktheirfingers.
CAPULET.Howcanstthoutrythemso?
SECONDSERVANT.Marry,sir,’tisanillcookthatcannotlick
hisownfingers:thereforehethatcannotlickhisfingers
goesnotwithme.
CAPULET.Go,begone.ExitSecondServant
Weshallbemuchunfurnish’dforthistime.
What!ismydaughtergonetoFriarLaurence?
NURSE.Ay,forsooth.
CAPULET.Well,hemaychancetodosomegoodonher:
Apeevishself-will’dharlotryitis.
NURSE.Seewhereshecomesfromshriftwithmerrylook.
EnterJuliet
CAPULET.Hownow,myheadstrong!wherehaveyoubeen
gadding?
JULIET.WhereIhavelearn’dmetorepentthesin
Ofdisobedientopposition
Toyouandyourbehests;andamenjoin’d
ByholyLaurencetofallprostratehere,
Andbegyourpardon.Pardon,Ibeseechyou!
HenceforwardIameverrul’dbyyou.
CAPULET.Sendforthecounty;gotellhimofthis:
I’llhavethisknotknitupto-morrowmorning.
JULIET.ImettheyouthfullordatLaurence’cell;
AndgavehimwhatbeeomedloveImight,
Notsteppingo’ertheboundsofmodesty.
CAPULET.Why,I’mgladon’t;thisiswell:standup:
Thisisas’tshouldbe.Letmeseethecounty;
Ay,marry,go,Isay,andfetchhimhither.
Now,aforeGod!thisreverendholyfriar,
Allourwholecityismuchboundtohim.
JULIET.Nurse,willyougowithmeintomycloset,
Tohelpmesortsuchneedfulornaments
Asyouthinkfittofurnishmeto-morrow?
LADYCAPULET.No,nottillThursday;thereistimeenough.
CAPULET.Go,nurse,gowithher.We’lltochurchto-
morrow.ExeuntJulietandNurse
LADYCAPULET.Weshallbeshortinourprovision:
’Tisnownearnight.
CAPULET.Tush!Iwillstirabout,
Andallthingsshallbewell,Iwarrantthee,wife:
GothoutoJuliet,helptodeckupher;
I’llnottobedto-night;letmealone;
I’llplaythehousewifeforthisonce.What,ho!
Theyareallforth:well,Iwillwalkmyself
ToCountyParis,topreparehimup
Againstto-morrow.Myheartiswondrouslight,
Sincethissamewaywardgirlissoreclaim’d.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
Juliet’sChamber.
EnterJulietandNurse
JULIET.Ay,thoseattiresarebest;but,gentlenurse,
Ipraythee,leavemetomyselfto-night;
ForIhaveneedofmanyorisons
Tomovetheheavenstosmileuponmystate,
Which,wellthouknow’st,iscrossandfullofsin.
EnterLadyCapulet
LADYCAPULET.What!areyoubusy,ho?needyoumy
help?
JULIET.No,madam;wehavecull’dsuchnecessaries
Asarebehovefulforourstateto-morrow:
Sopleaseyou,letmenowbeleftalone,
Andletthenursethisnightsitupwithyou;
For,Iamsure,youhaveyourhandsfullall
Inthissosuddenbusiness.
LADYCAPULET.Good-night:
Gettheetobed,andrest;forthouhastneed.
ExeuntLadyCapuletandNurse
JULIET.Farewell!Godknowswhenweshallmeetagain.
Ihaveafaintcoldfearthrillsthroughmyveins,
Thatalmostfreezesuptheheatoflife:
I’llcallthembackagaintocomfortme:
Nurse!Whatshouldshedohere?
MydismalsceneIneedsmustactalone.
Come,vial.
Whatifthismixturedonotworkatall?
ShallIbemarriedthento-morrowmorning?
No,no;thisshallforbidit:liethouthere.
Layingdownadagger
Whatifitbeapoison,whichthefriar
Subtlyhathminister ’dtohavemedead,
Lestinthismarriageheshouldbedishonour ’d
BecausehemarriedmebeforetoRomeo?
Ifearitis:andyet,methinks,itshouldnot,
Forhehathstillbeentriedaholyman.
Iwillnotentertainsobadathought.
Howif,whenIamlaidintothetomb,
IwakebeforethetimethatRomeo
Cometoredeemme?there’safearfulpoint!
ShallInotthenbestifledinthevault,
Towhosefoulmouthnohealthsomeairbreathesin,
AndtherediestranglederemyRomeocomes?
Or,ifIlive,isitnotverylike,
Thehorribleconceitofdeathandnight,
Togetherwiththeterroroftheplace,
Asinavault,anancientreceptacle,
Where,forthesemanyhundredyears,thebones
Ofallmyburiedancestorsarepack’d;
WherebloodyTybalt,yetbutgreeninearth,
Liesfesteringinhisshroud;where,astheysay,
Atsomehoursinthenightspiritsresort:
Alack,alack!isitnotlikethatI,
Soearlywaking,whatwithloathsomesmells,
Andshriekslikemandrakes’tornoutoftheearth,
Thatlivingmortals,hearingthem,runmad:
O!ifIwake,shallInotbedistraught,
Environedwithallthesehideousfears,
Andmadlyplaywithmyforefathers’joints,
AndpluckthemangledTybaltfromhisshroud?
And,inthisrage,withsomegreatkinsman’sbone,
Aswithaclub,dashoutmydesperatebrains?
O,look!methinksIseemycousin’sghost
SeekingoutRomeo,thatdidspithisbody
Uponarapier ’spoint.Stay,Tybalt,stay!
Romeo,Icome!thisdoIdrinktothee.
Shefallsuponherbedwithinthecurtains
SCENEFOUR
HallinCapulet’sHouse.
EnterLadyCapuletandNurse
LADYCAPULET.Hold,takethesekeys,andfetchmore
spices,nurse.
NURSE.Theycallfordatesandquincesinthepastry.
EnterCapulet
CAPULET.Come,stir,stir,stir!thesecondcockhathcrow’d,
Thecurfewbellhathrung,’tisthreeo’clock:
Looktothebak’dmeats,goodAngelica:
Sparenotforcost.
NURSE.Go,go,youcot-quean,go;
Getyoutobed;faith,you’llbesickto-morrow
Forthisnight’swatching.
CAPULET.No,notawhit;what!Ihavewatch’derenow
Allnightforlessercause,andne’erbeensick.
LADYCAPULET.Ay,youhavebeenamouse-huntinyour
time;
ButIwillwatchyoufromsuchwatchingnow.
ExeuntLadyCapuletandNurse
CAPULET.Ajealous-hood,ajealous-hood!
EnterthreeorfourServingmen,withspits,
logs,andbaskets
Now,fellow,
What’sthere?
FIRSTSERVINGMAN .Thingsforthecook,sir;butIknow
notwhat.
CAPULET.Makehaste,makehaste.
ExitfirstServingman
Sirrah,fetchdrierlogs:
CallPeter,hewillshowtheewheretheyare.
SECONDSERVINGMAN .Ihaveahead,sir,thatwillfindout
logs,
AndnevertroublePeterforthematter.Exit
CAPULET.Mass,andwellsaid;amerrywhoreson,ha!
Thoushaltbelogger-head.Goodfaith!’tisday:
Thecountywillbeherewithmusicstraight,
Forsohesaidhewould.(Musicwithin)Ihearhimnear.
Nurse!Wife!what,ho!What,nurse,Isay!
Re-enterNurse
GowakenJuliet,goandtrimherup;
I’llgoandchatwithParis.Hie,makehaste,
Makehaste;thebridegroomheiscomealready:
Makehaste,Isay.Exeunt
SCENEFIVE
Juliet’sChamber.
EnterNurse
NURSE.Mistress!what,mistress!Juliet!fast,Iwarranther,
she:
Why,lamb!why,lady!fie,youslug-a-bed!
Why,love,Isay!madam!sweet-heart!why,bride!
What!notaword?youtakeyourpennyworthsnow:
Sleepforaweek;forthenextnight,Iwarrant,
TheCountyParishathsetuphisrest,
Thatyoushallrestbutlittle.Godforgiveme,
Marry,andamen,howsoundissheasleep!
Ineedsmustwakeher.Madam,madam,madam!
Ay,letthecountytakeyouinyourbed;
He’llfrightyouup,i’faith.Willitnotbe?
What,dress’d!andinyourclothes!anddownagain!
Imustneedswakeyou.Lady!lady!lady!
Alas!alas!Help!help!mylady’sdead!
O!well-a-day,thateverIwasborn.
Someaqua-vitæ,ho!Mylord!mylady!
EnterLadyCapulet
LADYCAPULET.Whatnoiseishere?
NURSE.Olamentableday!
LADYCAPULET.Whatisthematter?
NURSE.Look,look!Oheavyday!
LADYCAPULET.Ome,Ome!mychild,myonlylife,
Revive,lookup,orIwilldiewiththee!
Help,help!Callhelp.
EnterCapulet
CAPULET.Forshame!bringJulietforth;herlordiscome.
NURSE.She’sdead,deceas’d,she’sdead;alacktheday!
LADYCAPULET.Alacktheday!she’sdead!
she’sdead!she’sdead!
CAPULET.Ha!letmeseeher.Out,alas!she’scold;
Herbloodissettled,andherjointsarestiff;
Lifeandtheselipshavelongbeenseparated:
Deathliesonherlikeanuntimelyfrost
Uponthesweetestflowerofallthefield.
NURSE.Olamentableday!
LADYCAPULET.Owoefultime!
CAPULET.Death,thathathta’enherhencetomakeme
wail,
Tiesupmytongue,andwillnotletmespeak.
EnterFriarLaurence,andParis,withMusicians
FRIARLAURENCE.Come,isthebridereadytogoto
church?
CAPULET.Readytogo,butnevertoreturn.
Oson!thenightbeforethywedding-day
HathDeathlainwiththywife.Thereshelies,
Flowerasshewas,defloweredbyhim.
Deathismyson-in-law,Deathismyheir;
Mydaughterhehathwedded:Iwilldie,
Andleavehimall;life,living,allisDeath’s!
PARIS.HaveIthoughtlongtoseethismorning’sface,
Anddothitgivemesuchasightasthis?
LADYCAPULET.Accurs’d,unhappy,wretched,hatefulday!
Mostmiserablehourthate’ertimesaw
Inlastinglabourofhispilgrimage!
Butone,poorone,onepoorandlovingchild,
Butonethingtorejoiceandsolacein,
Andcrueldeathhathcatch’ditfrommysight!
NURSE.Owoe!Owoeful,woeful,woefulday!
Mostlamentableday,mostwoefulday,
Thatever,ever,Ididyetbehold!
Oday!Oday!Oday!Ohatefulday!
Neverwasseensoblackadayasthis:
Owoefulday,Owoefulday!
PARIS.Beguil’d,divorced,wronged,spited,slain!
Mostdetestabledeath,bytheebeguil’d,
Bycruelcrueltheequiteoverthrown!
Olove!Olife!notlife,butloveindeath!
CAPULET.Despis’d,distressed,hated,martyr ’d,kill’d!
Uncomfortabletime,whycam’stthounow
Tomurder,murderoursolemnity?
Ochild!Ochild!mysoul,andnotmychild!
Deadartthou!dead!alack,mychildisdead;
Andwithmychildmyjoysareburied!
FRIARLAURENCE.Peace,ho!forshame!confusion’scure
livesnot
Intheseconfusions.Heavenandyourself
Hadpartinthisfairmaid;nowheavenhathall,
Andallthebetterisitforthemaid:
Yourpartinheryoucouldnotkeepfromdeath,
Butheavenkeepshispartineternallife.
Themostyousoughtwasherpromotion,
For’twasyourheavensheshouldbeadvanc’d;
Andweepyenow,seeingsheisadvanc’d
Abovetheclouds,ashighasheavenitself?
O!inthislove,youloveyourchildsoill,
Thatyourunmad,seeingthatsheiswell:
She’snotwellmarriedthatlivesmarriedlong;
Butshe’sbestmarriedthatdiesmarriedyoung.
Dryupyourtears,andstickyourrosemary
Onthisfaircorse;and,asthecustomis,
Inallherbestarraybearhertochurch;
Forthoughfondnaturebidsusalllament,
Yetnature’stearsarereason’smerriment.
CAPULET.Allthingsthatweordainedfestival,
Turnfromtheirofficetoblackfuneral;
Ourinstrumentstomelancholybells,
Ourweddingcheertoasadburialfeast,
Oursolemnhymnstosullendirgeschange,
Ourbridalflowersserveforaburiedcorse,
Andallthingschangethemtothecontrary.
FRIARLAURENCE.Sir,goyouin;and,madam,gowith
him;
Andgo,SirParis;everyoneprepare
Tofollowthisfaircorseuntohergrave.
Theheavensdoloweruponyouforsomeill;
Movethemnomorebycrossingtheirhighwill.
ExeuntCapulet,LadyCapulet,Paris,andFriar
FIRSTMUSICIAN .Faith,wemayputupourpipes,andbe
gone.
NURSE.Honestgoodfellows,ah!putup,putup,for,well
youknow,thisisapitifulcase.Exit
FIRSTMUSICIAN .Ay,bymytroth,thecasemaybe
amended.
EnterPeter
PETER.Musicians!O!musicians,‘Heart’sease,Heart’s
ease’:O!anyewillhavemelive,play‘Heart’sease.’
FIRSTMUSICIAN .Why‘Heart’sease’?
PETER.O!musicians,becausemyheartitselfplays‘My
heartisfullofwoe’;O!playmesomemerrydump,to
comfortme.
SECONDMUSICIAN .Notadumpwe;’tisnotimetoplay
now.
PETER.Youwillnotthen?
MUSICIANS.No.
PETER.Iwillthengiveityousoundly.
FIRSTMUSICIAN .Whatwillyougiveus?
PETER.Nomoney,onmyfaith!butthegleek;Iwillgive
youtheminstrel.
FIRSTMUSICIAN .ThenwillIgiveyoutheserving-creature.
PETER.ThenwillIlaytheserving-creature’sdaggeron
yourpate,Iwillcarrynocrotchets:I’llreyou,I’llfa
you.Doyounoteme?
FIRSTMUSICIAN .Anyoureus,andfaus,younoteus.
SECONDMUSICIAN .Prayyou,putupyourdagger,andput
outyourwit.
PETER.Thenhaveatyouwithmywit!Iwilldry-beatyou
withanironwit,andputupmyirondagger.Answerme
likemen:
Whengrippinggrieftheheartdothwound,
Anddolefuldumpsthemindoppress,
Thenmusicwithhersilversound—
Why‘silversound’?why‘musicwithhersilversound’?
Whatsayyou,SimonCatling?
FIRSTMUSICIAN .Marry,sir,becausesilverhathasweet
sound.
PETER.Pretty!Whatsayyou,HughRebeck?
SECONDMUSICIAN .Isay‘silversound,’becausemusicians
soundforsilver.
PETER.Prettytoo!Whatsayyou,JamesSoundpost?
THIRDMUSICIAN .Faith,Iknownotwhattosay.
PETER.O!Icryyoumercy;youarethesinger;Iwillsay
foryou.Itis,‘musicwithhersilversound,’becausemusicianshavenogoldforsounding:
Thenmusicwithhersilversound
Withspeedyhelpdothlendredress.Exit
FIRSTMUSICIAN .Whatapestilentknaveisthissame!
SECONDMUSICIAN .Hanghim,Jack!Come,we’llinhere;
tarryforthemourners,andstaydinner.Exeunt
ACTFIVE
SCENEONE
Mantua.AStreet.
EnterRomeo
ROMEO.IfImaytrusttheflatteringtruthofsleep,
Mydreamspresagesomejoyfulnewsathand:
Mybosom’slordsitslightlyinhisthrone;
Andallthisdayanunaccustom’dspirit
Liftsmeabovethegroundwithcheerfulthoughts.
Idreamtmyladycameandfoundmedead;—
Strangedream,thatgivesadeadmanleavetothink,—
Andbreath’dsuchlifewithkissesinmylips,
ThatIreviv’d,andwasanemperor.
Ahme!howsweetisloveitselfpossess’d,
Whenbutlove’sshadowsaresorichinjoy!
EnterBalthasar,booted
NewsfromVerona!Hownow,Balthasar?
Dostthounotbringmelettersfromthefriar?
Howdothmylady?Ismyfatherwell?
HowfaresmyJuliet?ThatIaskagain;
Fornothingcanbeillifshebewell.
BALTHASAR.Thensheiswell,andnothingcanbeill;
HerbodysleepsinCapel’smonument,
Andherimmortalpartwithangelslives.
Isawherlaidlowinherkindred’svault,
Andpresentlytookposttotellityou.
O!pardonmeforbringingtheseillnews,
Sinceyoudidleaveitformyoffice,sir.
ROMEO.Isitevenso?thenIdefyyou,stars!
Thouknow’stmylodging:getmeinkandpaper,
Andhirepost-horses;Iwillhenceto-night.
BALTHASAR.Idobeseechyou,sir,havepatience:
Yourlooksarepaleandwild,anddoimport
Somemisadventure.
ROMEO.Tush,thouartdeceiv’d;
Leaveme,anddothethingIbidtheedo.
Hastthounoletterstomefromthefriar?
BALTHASAR.No,mygoodlord.
ROMEO.Nomatter;gettheegone,
Andhirethosehorses:I’llbewiththeestraight.
ExitBalthasar
Well,Juliet,Iwillliewiththeeto-night.
Let’sseeformeans:Omischief!thouartswift
Toenterinthethoughtsofdesperatemen.
Idorememberanapothecary,
Andhereaboutshedwells,whichlateInoted
Intatter ’dweeds,withoverwhelmingbrows,
Cullingofsimples;meagrewerehislooks,
Sharpmiseryhadwornhimtothebones:
Andinhisneedyshopatortoisehung,
Analligatorstuff’d,andotherskins
Ofill-shap’dfishes;andabouthisshelves
Abeggarlyaccountofemptyboxes,
Greenearthenpots,bladders,andmustyseeds,
Remnantsofpackthread,andoldcakesofroses,
Werethinlyscatter ’d,tomakeupashow.
Notingthispenury,tomyselfIsaid
Anifamandidneedapoisonnow,
WhosesaleispresentdeathinMantua,
Herelivesacaitiffwretchwouldsellithim.
O!thissamethoughtdidbutfore-runmyneed,
Andthissameneedymanmustsellitme.
AsIremember,thisshouldbethehouse:
Beingholiday,thebeggar ’sshopisshut.
What,ho!apothecary!
EnterApothecary
APOTHECARY.Whocallssoloud?
ROMEO.Comehither,man.Iseethatthouartpoor;
Hold,thereisfortyducats;letmehave
Adramofpoison,suchsoon-speedinggear
Aswilldisperseitselfthroughalltheveins
Thatthelife-wearytakermayfalldead,
Andthatthetrunkmaybedischarg’dofbreath
Asviolentlyashastypowderfir ’d
Dothhurryfromthefatalcannon’swomb.
APOTHECARY.SuchmortaldrugsIhave:butMantua’slaw
Isdeathtoanyhethatuttersthem.
ROMEO.Artthousobare,andfullofwretchedness,
Andfear ’sttodie?famineisinthycheeks,
Needandoppressionstarvethinthineeyes,
Contemptandbeggaryhanguponthyback;
Theworldisnotthyfriendnortheworld’slaw:
Theworldaffordsnolawtomaketheerich;
Thenbenotpoor,butbreakit,andtakethis.
APOTHECARY.Mypoverty,butnotmywill,consents.
ROMEO.Ipaythypoverty,andnotthywill.
APOTHECARY.Putthisinanyliquidthingyouwill,
Anddrinkitoff;and,ifyouhadthestrength
Oftwentymen,itwoulddispatchyoustraight.
ROMEO.Thereisthygold,worsepoisontomen’ssouls,
Doingmoremurdersinthisloathsomeworld
Thanthesepoorcompoundsthatthoumaystnotsell:
Iselltheepoison,thouhastsoldmenone.
Farewell;buyfood,andgetthyselfinflesh.
Come,cordialandnotpoison,gowithme
ToJuliet’sgrave,fortheremustIusethee.Exeunt
SCENETWO
Verona.FriarLaurence’sCell.
EnterFriarJohn
FRIARJOHN .HolyFranciscanfriar;brother,ho!
EnterFriarLaurence
FRIARLAURENCE.ThissameshouldbethevoiceofFriar
John.
WelcomefromMantua:whatsaysRomeo?
Or,ifhismindbewrit,givemehisletter.
FRIARJOHN .Goingtofindabare-footbrotherout,
Oneofourorder,toassociateme,
Hereinthiscityvisitingthesick,
Andfindinghim,thesearchersofthetown,
Suspectingthatwebothwereinahouse,
Wheretheinfectiouspestilencedidreign,
Seal’dupthedoors,andwouldnotletusforth;
SothatmyspeedtoMantuatherewasstay’d.
FRIARLAURENCE.WhobaremyletterthentoRomeo?
FRIARJOHN .Icouldnotsendit,hereitisagain,
Norgetamessengertobringitthee,
Sofearfulweretheyofinfection.
FRIARLAURENCE.Unhappyfortune!bymybrotherhood,
Theletterwasnotnice,butfullofcharge
Ofdearimport;andtheneglectingit
Maydomuchdanger.FriarJohn,gohence;
Getmeanironcrow,andbringitstraight
Untomycell.
FRIARJOHN .Brother,I’llgoandbringitthee.Exit
FRIARLAURENCE.NowmustItothemonumentalone;
WithinthesethreehourswillfairJulietwake:
ShewillbeshrewmemuchthatRomeo
Hathhadnonoticeoftheseaccidents;
ButIwillwriteagaintoMantua,
AndkeepheratmycelltillRomeocome:
Poorlivingcorse,clos’dinadeadman’stomb!Exit
SCENETHREE
Verona.AChurchyard;initaMonument
belongingtotheCapulets.
EnterParis,andhisPage,bearingflowersandatorch
PARIS.Givemethytorch,boy:hence,andstandaloof;
Yetputitout,forIwouldnotbeseen.
Underyondyew-treeslaytheeallalong,
Holdingthineearclosetothehollowground:
Soshallnofootuponthechurchyardtread,
Beingloose,unfirmwithdiggingupofgraves,
Butthoushalthearit:whistlethentome,
Assignalthatthouhear ’stsomethingapproach.
Givemethoseflowers.DoasIbidthee;go.
PAGE.(Aside)Iamalmostafraidtostandalone
Hereinthechurchyard;yetIwilladventure.Retires
PARIS.Sweetflower,withflowersthybridalbedIstrew,—
Owoe!thycanopyisdustandstones;—
WhichwithsweetwaternightlyIwilldew,
Or,wantingthat,withtearsdistill’dbymoans:
TheobsequiesthatIfortheewillkeep
Nightlyshallbetostrewthygraveandweep.
ThePagewhistles
Theboygiveswarningsomethingdothapproach.
Whatcursedfootwandersthiswayto-night,
Tocrossmyobsequiesandtruelove’srite?
What!withatorch?—muffleme,night,awhile.
Retires
EnterRomeoandBalthasar,withatorch,mattock,&c.
ROMEO.Givemethatmattock,andthewrenchingiron.
Hold,takethisletter;earlyinthemorning
Seethoudeliverittomylordandfather.
Givemethelight:uponthylifeIchargethee,
Whate’erthouhear ’storseest,standallaloof,
Anddonotinterruptmeinmycourse.
WhyIdescendintothisbedofdeath,
Ispartlytobeholdmylady’sface;
Butchieflytotakethencefromherdeadfinger
Apreciousring,aringthatImustuse
Indearemployment:thereforehence,begone:
But,ifthou,jealous,dostreturntopry
InwhatIfurthershallintendtodo,
Byheaven,Iwillteartheejointbyjoint,
Andstrewthishungrychurchyardwiththylimbs.
Thetimeandmyintentsaresavage-wild,
Morefierceandmoreinexorablefar
Thanemptytigersortheroaringsea.
BALTHASAR.Iwillbegone,sir,andnottroubleyou.
ROMEO.Soshaltthoushowmefriendship.Takethouthat:
Live,andbeprosperous;andfarewell,goodfellow.
BALTHASAR.(Aside)Forallthissame,I’llhidemehere
about:
HislooksIfear,andhisintentsIdoubt.Retires
ROMEO.Thoudetestablemaw,thouwombofdeath,
Gorg’dwiththedearestmorseloftheearth,
ThusIenforcethyrottenjawstoopen,Opensthetomb
And,indespite,I’llcramtheewithmorefood!
PARIS.Thisisthatbanish’dhaughtyMontague,
Thatmurder ’dmylove’scousin,withwhichgrief
Itissupposedthefaircreaturedied;
Andhereiscometodosomevillanousshame
Tothedeadbodies:Iwillapprehendhim.—
Comesforward
Stopthyunhallow’dtoil,vileMontague,
Canvengeancebepursu’dfurtherthandeath?
Condemnedvillain,Idoapprehendthee:
Obey,andgowithme;forthoumustdie.
ROMEO.Imust,indeed;andthereforecameIhither.
Goodgentleyouth,temptnotadesperateman;
Flyhenceandleaveme:thinkuponthesegone;
Letthemaffrightthee.Ibeseechthee,youth,
Putnotanothersinuponmyhead
Byurgingmetofury:O!begone:
Byheaven,Ilovetheebetterthanmyself,
ForIcomehitherarm’dagainstmyself:
Staynot,begone;live,andhereaftersay
Amadman’smercybadetheerunaway.
PARIS.Idodefythyconjurations,
Andapprehendtheeforafelonhere.
ROMEO.Wiltthouprovokeme?thenhaveatthee,boy!
Theyfight
PAGE.OLord!theyfight:Iwillgocallthewatch.Exit
PARIS.(Falls)O,Iamslain!—Ifthoubemerciful,
Openthetomb,laymewithJuliet.Dies
ROMEO.Infaith,Iwill.Letmeperusethisface:
Mercutio’skinsman,nobleCountyParis!
Whatsaidmymanwhenmybetossedsoul
Didnotattendhimaswerode?Ithink
HetoldmeParisshouldhavemarriedJuliet:
Saidhenotso?ordidIdreamitso?
OramImad,hearinghimtalkofJuliet,
Tothinkitwasso?O!givemethyhand,
Onewritwithmeinsourmisfortune’sbook:
I’llburytheeinatriumphantgrave;
Agrave?O,no!alanthorn,slaughter ’dyouth,
ForhereliesJuliet,andherbeautymakes
Thisvaultafeastingpresencefulloflight.
Death,liethouthere,byadeadmaninterr ’d.
LayingParisinthetomb
Howoftwhenmenareatthepointofdeath
Havetheybeenmerry!whichtheirkeeperscall
Alightningbeforedeath:O!howmayI
Callthisalightning?Omylove!mywife!
Death,thathathsuck’dthehoneyofthybreath,
Hathhadnopoweryetuponthybeauty:
Thouartnotconquer ’d;beauty’sensignyet
Iscrimsoninthylipsandinthycheeks,
Anddeath’spaleflagisnotadvancedthere.
Tybalt,liestthouthereinthybloodysheet?
O!whatmorefavourcanIdotothee,
Thanwiththathandthatcutthyyouthintwain
Tosunderhisthatwasthineenemy?
Forgiveme,cousin!Ah!dearJuliet,
Whyartthouyetsofair?ShallIbelieve
ThatunsubstantialDeathisamorous,
Andthattheleanabhorredmonsterkeeps
Theehereindarktobehisparamour?
ForfearofthatIstillwillstaywiththee,
Andneverfromthispalaceofdimnight
Departagain:here,herewillIremain
Withwormsthatarethychambermaids;O!here
WillIsetupmyeverlastingrest,
Andshaketheyokeofinauspiciousstars
Fromthisworld-weariedflesh.Eyes,lookyourlast!
Arms,takeyourlastembrace!and,lips,Oyou
Thedoorsofbreath,sealwitharighteouskiss
Adatelessbargaintoengrossingdeath!
Come,bitterconduct,come,unsavoryguide!
Thoudesperatepilot,nowatoncerunon
Thedashingrocksthysea-sickwearybark!
Here’stomylove!(Drinks)Otrueapothecary!
Thydrugsarequick.ThuswithakissIdie.Dies
Enter,attheotherendoftheChurchyard,Friar
Laurence,withalanthorn,crow,andspade
FRIARLAURENCE.SaintFrancisbemyspeed!howofttonight
Havemyoldfeetstumbledatgraves!Who’sthere?
BALTHASAR.Here’sone,afriend,andonethatknowsyou
well.
FRIARLAURENCE.Blissbeuponyou!Tellme,goodmy
friend,
Whattorchisyond,thatvainlylendshislight
Togrubsandeyelessskulls?asIdiscern,
ItburnethintheCapel’smonument.
BALTHASAR.Itdothso,holysir;andthere’smymaster,
Onethatyoulove.
FRIARLAURENCE.Whoisit?
BALTHASAR.Romeo.
FRIARLAURENCE.Howlonghathhebeenthere?
BALTHASAR.Fullhalfanhour.
FRIARLAURENCE.Gowithmetothevault.
BALTHASAR.Idarenot,sir.
MymasterknowsnotbutIamgonehence;
Andfearfullydidmenacemewithdeath
IfIdidstaytolookonhisintents.
FRIARLAURENCE.Staythen,I’llgoalone.Fearcomesupon
me;
O!muchIfearsomeillunluckything.
BALTHASAR.AsIdidsleepunderthisyew-treehere,
Idreamtmymasterandanotherfought,
Andthatmymasterslewhim.
FRIARLAURENCE.(Advances)Romeo!
Alack,alack!whatbloodisthiswhichstains
Thestonyentranceofthissepulchre?
Whatmeanthesemasterlessandgoryswords
Toliediscolour ’dbythisplaceofpeace?
Entersthetomb
Romeo!Opale!Whoelse?what!Paristoo?
Andsteep’dinblood?Ah!whatanunkindhour
Isguiltyofthislamentablechance.
Theladystirs.Julietwakes
JULIET.O,comfortablefriar!whereismylord?
IdorememberwellwhereIshouldbe,
AndthereIam.WhereismyRomeo?Noisewithin
FRIARLAURENCE.Ihearsomenoise.Lady,comefromthat
nest
Ofdeath,contagion,andunnaturalsleep:
Agreaterpowerthanwecancontradict
Haththwartedourintents:come,comeaway.
Thyhusbandinthybosomthereliesdead:
AndParistoo:come,I’lldisposeofthee
Amongasisterhoodofholynuns.
Staynottoquestion,forthewatchiscoming;
Come,go,goodJuliet.—(Noiseagain)Idarenolonger
stay.
JULIET.Go,gettheehence,forIwillnotaway.
ExitFriarLaurence
What’shere?acup,clos’dinmytruelove’shand?
Poison,Isee,hathbeenhistimelessend.
Ochurl!drunkall,andleftnofriendlydrop
Tohelpmeafter!Iwillkissthylips;
Haply,somepoisonyetdothhangonthem,
Tomakemediewitharestorative.Kisseshim
Thylipsarewarm!
FIRSTWATCH.(Within)Lead,boy:whichway?
JULIET.Yea,noise?thenI’llbebrief.Ohappydagger!
SnatchingRomeo’sdagger
Thisisthysheath;(Stabsherself.)thererest,andletme
die.FallsonRomeo’sbodyanddies
EnterWatch,withthePageofParis
PAGE.Thisistheplace;therewherethetorchdothburn.
FIRSTWATCH.Thegroundisbloody;searchaboutthe
churchyard.
Go,someofyou;who’eryoufind,attach.
ExeuntsomeoftheWatch
Pitifulsight!hereliesthecountyslain,
AndJulietbleeding,warm,andnewlydead,
Whoherehathlainthesetwodaysburied.
Go,telltheprince,runtotheCapulets,
RaiseuptheMontagues,someotherssearch:
ExeuntothersoftheWatch
Weseethegroundwhereonthesewoesdolie;
Butthetruegroundofallthesepiteouswoes
Wecannotwithoutcircumstancedescry.
Re-entersomeoftheWatch,withBalthasar
SECONDWATCH.Here’sRomeo’sman;wefoundhiminthe
churchyard.
FIRSTWATCH.Holdhiminsafety,tilltheprincecome
hither.
Re-enterotheroftheWatch,withFriarLaurence
THIRDWATCH.Hereisafriar,thattrembles,sighs,and
weeps;
Wetookthismattockandthisspadefromhim,
Ashewascomingfromthischurchyardside.
FIRSTWATCH.Agreatsuspicion:staythefriartoo.
EnterthePrinceandAttendants
PRINCE.Whatmisadventureissoearlyup,
Thatcallsourpersonfromourmorning’srest?
EnterCapulet,LadyCapulet,andOthers
CAPULET.Whatshoulditbe,thattheysoshriekabroad?
LADYCAPULET.ThepeopleinthestreetcryRomeo,
SomeJuliet,andsomeParis;andallrun
Withopenoutcrytowardourmonument.
PRINCE.Whatfearisthiswhichstartlesinourears?
FIRSTWATCH.Sovereign,hereliestheCountyParisslain;
AndRomeodead;andJuliet,deadbefore,
Warmandnewkill’d.
PRINCE.Search,seek,andknowhowthisfoulmurder
comes.
FIRSTWATCH.Hereisafriar,andslaughter ’dRomeo’s
man;
Withinstrumentsuponthem,fittoopen
Thesedeadmen’stombs.
CAPULET.O,heaven!—Owife!lookhowourdaughter
bleeds!
Thisdaggerhathmista’en!—for,lo,hishouse
IsemptyonthebackofMontague—
Andismis-sheathedinmydaughter ’sbosom.
LADYCAPULET.Ome!thissightofdeathisasabell,
Thatwarnsmyoldagetoasepulchre.
EnterMontagueandOthers
PRINCE.Come,Montague:forthouartearlyup,
Toseethysonandheirmoreearlydown.
MONTAGUE.Alas!myliege,mywifeisdeadto-night;
Griefofmyson’sexilehathstopp’dherbreath.
Whatfurtherwoeconspiresagainstmineage?
PRINCE.Look,andthoushaltsee.
MONTAGUE.Othouuntaught!whatmannersisinthis,
Topressbeforethyfathertoagrave?
PRINCE.Sealupthemouthofoutrageforawhile,
Tillwecancleartheseambiguities,
Andknowtheirspring,theirhead,theirtruedescent;
AndthenwillIbegeneralofyourwoes,
Andleadyoueventodeath:meantimeforbear,
Andletmischancebeslavetopatience.
Bringforththepartiesofsuspicion.
FRIARLAURENCE.Iamthegreatest,abletodoleast,
Yetmostsuspected,asthetimeandplace
Dothmakeagainstme,ofthisdirefulmurder;
AndhereIstand,bothtoimpeachandpurge
Myselfcondemnedandmyselfexcus’d.
PRINCE.Thensayatoncewhatthoudostknowinthis.
FRIARLAURENCE.Iwillbebrief,formyshortdateof
breath
Isnotsolongasisatedioustale.
Romeo,theredead,washusbandtothatJuliet;
Andshe,theredead,thatRomeo’sfaithfulwife:
Imarriedthem;andtheirstolenmarriage-day
WasTybalt’sdoomsday,whoseuntimelydeath
Banish’dthenew-madebridegroomfromthiscity;
Forwhom,andnotforTybalt,Julietpin’d.
You,toremovethatsiegeofgrieffromher,
Betroth’d,andwouldhavemarriedherperforce,
ToCountyParis:thencomesshetome,
And,withwildlooksbidmedevisesomemean
Toridherfromthissecondmarriage,
Orinmycelltherewouldshekillherself.
ThengaveIher,—sotutor ’dbymyart,—
Asleepingpotion;whichsotookeffect
AsIintended,foritwroughtonher
Theformofdeath:meantimeIwrittoRomeo
Thatheshouldhithercomeasthisdirenight,
Tohelptotakeherfromherborrow’dgrave,
Beingthetimethepotion’sforceshouldcease.
Buthewhichboremyletter,FriarJohn,
Wasstay’dbyaccident,andyesternight
Return’dmyletterback.Then,allalone,
Attheprefixedhourofherwaking,
CameItotakeherfromherkindred’svault,
Meaningtokeephercloselyatmycell,
TillIconvenientlycouldsendtoRomeo:
But,whenIcame,—someminuteerethetime
Ofherawakening,—hereuntimelylay
ThenobleParisandtrueRomeodead.
Shewakes;andIentreatedhercomeforth,
Andbearthisworkofheavenwithpatience;
Butthenanoisedidscaremefromthetomb,
Andshe,toodesperate,wouldnotgowithme,
But,asitseems,didviolenceonherself.
AllthisIknow;andtothemarriage
Hernurseisprivy:and,ifaughtinthis
Miscarriedbymyfault,letmyoldlife
Besacrific’d,somehourbeforehistime,
Untotherigourofseverestlaw.
PRINCE.Westillhaveknowntheeforaholyman.
Where’sRomeo’sman?whatcanhesayinthis?
BALTHASAR.IbroughtmymasternewsofJuliet’sdeath;
AndtheninposthecamefromMantua
Tothissameplace,tothissamemonument.
Thisletterheearlybidmegivehisfather,
Andthreaten’dmewithdeath,goinginthevault,
IfIdepartednotandlefthimthere.
PRINCE.Givemetheletter;Iwilllookonit.
Whereisthecounty’spagethatrais’dthewatch?
Sirrah,whatmadeyourmasterinthisplace?
PAGE.Hecamewithflowerstostrewhislady’sgrave,
Andbidmestandaloof,andsoIdid;
Anon,comesonewithlighttoopethetomb;
Andbyandbymymasterdrewonhim;
AndthenIranawaytocallthewatch.
PRINCE.Thisletterdothmakegoodthefriar ’swords,
Theircourseoflove,thetidingsofherdeath;
Andherehewritesthathedidbuyapoison
Ofapoor’pothecary,andtherewithal
Cametothisvaulttodie,andliewithJuliet.
Wherebetheseenemies?—Capulet!Montague!
Seewhatascourgeislaiduponyourhate,
Thatheavenfindsmeanstokillyourjoyswithlove;
AndI,forwinkingatyourdiscordstoo,
Havelostabraceofkinsmen:allarepunish’d.
CAPULET.ObrotherMontague!givemethyhand:
Thisismydaughter ’sjointure,fornomore
CanIdemand.
MONTAGUE.ButIcangivetheemore;
ForIwillraiseherstatueinpuregold;
ThatwhileVeronabythatnameisknown,
Thereshallnofigureatsuchratebeset
AsthatoftrueandfaithfulJuliet.
CAPULET.AsrichshallRomeobyhisladylie;
Poorsacrificesofourenmity!
PRINCE.Agloomingpeacethismorningwithitbrings;
Thesun,forsorrow,willnotshowhishead:
Gohence,tohavemoretalkofthesesadthings;
Someshallbepardon’d,andsomepunished:
Forneverwasastoryofmorewoe
ThanthisofJulietandherRomeo.Exeunt
TIMONOFATHENS
CASTOFCHARACTERS
T IMON ,anobleAthenian
LUCIUS
LUCULLUS
flatteringLords
SEMPRONIUS
VENTIDIUS,oneofTimon’sfalseFriends
APEMANTUS,achurlishPhilosopher
ALCIBIADES,anAthenianCaptain
FLAVIUS,StewardtoTimon
FLAMINIUS
ServantstoTimon
LUCILIUS
SERVILIUS
CAPHIS
PHILOTUS
T ITUS
ServantstoTimon’sCreditors
LUCIUS
HORTENSIUS
ServantsofVentidius,andofVarroandIsidore
(twoofTimon’sCreditors)
ThreeStrangers
AnOldAthenian
APage
AFool
Poet,Painter,Jeweller,andMerchant
PHRYNIA
MistressestoAlcibiades
T IMANDRA
CUPIDandAmazonsintheMask
Lords,Senators,Officers,Soldiers,Thieves,and
Attendants
SCENE
Athens,andtheneighbouringWoods
ACTONE
SCENEONE
Athens.AHallinTimon’sHouse.
EnterPoet,Painter,Jeweller,Merchant,and
Others,atseveraldoors
POET.Goodday,sir.
PAINTER.Iamgladyou’rewell.
POET.Ihavenotseenyoulong.Howgoestheworld?
PAINTER.Itwears,sir,asitgrows.
POET.Ay,that’swellknown;
Butwhatparticularrarity?whatstrange,
Whichmanifoldrecordnotmatches?See,
Magicofbounty!allthesespiritsthypower
Hathconjur ’dtoattend.Iknowthemerchant.
PAINTER.Iknowthemboth:th’other’sajeweller.
MERCHANT.O!’tisaworthylord.
JEWELLER.Nay,that’smostfix’d.
MERCHANT.Amostincomparableman,breath’d,asit
were,
Toanuntirableandcontinuategoodness:
Hepasses.
JEWELLER.Ihaveajewelhere—
MERCHANT.O!pray,let’ssee’t:fortheLordTimon,sir?
JEWELLER.Ifhewilltouchtheestimate:but,forthat—
POET.‘Whenweforrecompensehaveprais’dthevile,
Itstainsthegloryinthathappyverse
Whichaptlysingsthegood.’
MERCHANT.(Lookingatthejewel)’Tisagoodform.
JEWELLER.Andrich:hereisawater,lookye.
PAINTER.Youarerapt,sir,insomework,somededication
Tothegreatlord.
POET.Athingslipp’didlyfromme.
Ourpoesyisasagum,whichoozes
Fromwhence’tisnourish’d:thefirei’theflint
Showsnottillitbestruck;ourgentleflame
Provokesitself,and,likethecurrent,flies
Eachbounditchafes.Whathaveyouthere?
PAINTER.Apicture,sir.Whencomesyourbookforth?
POET.Upontheheelsofmypresentment,sir.
Let’sseeyourpiece.
PAINTER.’Tisagoodpiece.
POET.So’tis:thiscomesoffwellandexcellent.
PAINTER.Indifferent.
POET.Admirable!Howthisgrace
Speakshisownstanding!whatamentalpower
Thiseyeshootsforth!howbigimagination
Movesinthislip!tothedumbnessofthegesture
Onemightinterpret.
PAINTER.Itisaprettymockingofthelife.
Hereisatouch;is’tgood?
POET.I’llsayofit,
Ittutorsnature:artificialstrife
Livesinthesetouches,livelierthanlife.
EntercertainSenators,whopassoverthestage
PAINTER.Howthislordisfollow’d!
POET.ThesenatorsofAthens:happyman!
PAINTER.Look,more!
POET.Youseethisconfluence,thisgreatfloodofvisitors.
Ihave,inthisroughwork,shap’doutaman,
Whomthisbeneathworlddothembraceandhug
Withamplestentertainment:myfreedrift
Haltsnotparticularly,butmovesitself
Inawideseaofwax:nolevell’dmalice
InfectsonecommainthecourseIhold;
Butfliesaneagleflight,boldandforthon,
Leavingnotractbehind.
PAINTER.HowshallIunderstandyou?
POET.Iwillunbolttoyou.
Youseehowallconditions,howallminds—
Aswellofglibandslipperycreaturesas
Ofgraveandausterequality—tenderdown
TheirservicestoLordTimon:hislargefortune,
Uponhisgoodandgraciousnaturehanging,
Subduesandpropertiestohisloveandtendance
Allsortsofhearts;yea,fromtheglass-fac’dflatterer
ToApemantus,thatfewthingslovesbetter
Thantoabhorhimself:evenhedropsdown
Thekneebeforehimandreturnsinpeace
MostrichinTomon’snod.
PAINTER.Isawthemspeaktogether.
POET.Sir,Ihaveuponahighandpleasanthill
Feign’dFortunetobethron’d:thebaseo’themount
Isrank’dwithalldeserts,allkindsofnatures,
Thatlabouronthebosomofthissphere
Topropagatetheirstates:amongstthemall,
Whoseeyesareonthissovereignladyfix’d,
OnedoIpersonateofLordTimon’sframe,
WhomFortunewithherivoryhandwaftstoher;
Whosepresentgracetopresentslavesandservants
Translateshisrivals.
PAINTER.’Tisconceiv’dtoscope.
Thisthrone,thisFortune,andthishill,methinks,
Withonemanbeckon’dfromtherestbelow,
Bowinghisheadagainstthesteepymount
Toclimbhishappiness,wouldbewellexpress’d
Inourcondition.
POET.Nay,sir,buthearmeon.
Allthosewhichwerehisfellowsbutoflate,
Somebetterthanhisvalue,onthemoment
Followhisstrides,hislobbiesfillwithtendance,
Rainsacrificialwhisperingsinhisear,
Makesacredevenhisstirrup,andthroughhim
Drinkthefreeair.
PAINTER.Ay,marry,whatofthese?
POET.WhenFortuneinhershiftandchangeofmood
Spurnsdownherlatebelov’d,allhisdependants
Whichlabour ’dafterhimtothemountain’stop
Evenontheirkneesandhands,lethimslipdown,
Notoneaccompanyinghisdecliningfoot.
PAINTER.’Tiscommon:
AthousandmoralpaintingsIcanshow
ThatshalldemonstratethesequickblowsofFortune’s
Morepregnantlythanwords.Yetyoudowell
ToshowLordTimonthatmeaneyeshaveseen
Thefootabovethehead.
Trumpetssound.EnterLordTimon,
addressinghimselfcourteouslytoeverysuitor;aMessenger
fromVentidiustalkingwithhim;Luciliusandother
servantsfollowing.
TIMON .Imprison’dishe,sayyou?
MESSENGER.Ay,mygoodlord:fivetalentsishisdebt,
Hismeansmostshort,hiscreditorsmoststrait:
Yourhonourableletterhedesires
Tothosehaveshuthimup;whichfailing,
Periodshiscomfort.
TIMON .NobleVentidius!Well;
Iamnotofthatfeathertoshakeoff
Myfriendwhenhemustneedme.Idoknowhim
Agentlemanthatwelldeservesahelp,
Whichheshallhave:I’llpaythedebtandfreehim.
MESSENGER.Yourlordshipeverbindshim.
TIMON .Commendmetohim.Iwillsendhisransom;
Andbeingenfranchis’d,bidhimcometome.
’Tisnotenoughtohelpthefeebleup,
Buttosupporthimafter.Fareyouwell.
MESSENGER.Allhappinesstoyourhonour.Exit
EnteranoldAthenian
OLDATHENIAN .LordTimon,hearmespeak.
TIMON .Freely,goodfather.
OLDATHENIAN .Thouhastaservantnam’dLucilius.
TIMON .Ihaveso:whatofhim?
OLDATHENIAN .MostnobleTimon,callthemanbefore
thee.
TIMON .Attendshehereorno?Lucilius!
LUCILIUS.Here,atyourlordship’sservice.
OLDATHENIAN .Thisfellowhere,LordTimon,thisthy
creature,
Bynightfrequentsmyhouse.Iamaman
Thatfrommyfirsthavebeeninclin’dtothrift,
Andmyestatedeservesanheirmorerais’d
Thanonewhichholdsatrencher.
TIMON .Well;whatfurther?
OLDATHENIAN .OneonlydaughterhaveI,nokinelse,
OnwhomImayconferwhatIhavegot:
Themaidisfair,o’theyoungestforabride,
AndIhavebredheratmydearestcost
Inqualitiesofthebest.Thismanofthine
Attemptsherlove:Iprithee,noblelord,
Joinwithmetoforbidhimherresort;
Myselfhavespokeinvain.
TIMON .Themanishonest.
OLDATHENIAN .Thereforehewillbe,Timon:
Hishonestyrewardshiminitself;
Itmustnotbearmydaughter.
TIMON .Doesshelovehim?
OLDATHENIAN .Sheisyoungandapt:
Ourownprecedentpassionsdoinstructus
Whatlevity’sinyouth.
TIMON .(ToLucilius)Loveyouthemaid?
LUCILIUS.Ay,mygoodlord,andsheacceptsofit.
OLDATHENIAN .Ifinhermarriagemyconsentbemissing,
Icallthegodstowitness,Iwillchoose
Mineheirfromforththebeggarsoftheworld,
Anddispossessherall.
TIMON.Howshallshebeendow’d,
Ifshebematedwithanequalhusband?
OLDATHENIAN .Threetalentsonthepresent;infuture,all.
TIMON .Thisgentlemanofminehathserv’dmelong:
Tobuildhisfortune,Iwillstrainalittle,
For’tisabondinmen.Givehimthydaughter;
Whatyoubestow,inhimI’llcounterpoise,
Andmakehimweighwithher.
OLDATHENIAN .Mostnoblelord,
Pawnmetothisyourhonour,sheishis.
TIMON .Myhandtothee;minehonouronmypromise.
LUCILIUS.HumblyIthankyourlordship:nevermay
Thatstateorfortunefallintomykeeping
Whichisnotow’dtoyou!
ExeuntLuciliusandOldAthenian
POET.Vouchsafemylabour,andlongliveyourlordship!
TIMON .Ithankyou;youshallhearfrommeanon:
Gonotaway.Whathaveyouthere,myfriend?
PAINTER.Apieceofpainting,whichIdobeseech
Yourlordshiptoaccept.
TIMON .Paintingiswelcome.
Thepaintingisalmostthenaturalman;
Forsincedishonourtrafficswithman’snature,
Heisbutoutside:thesepencill’dfiguresare
Evensuchastheygiveout.Ilikeyourwork;
AndyoushallfindIlikeit:waitattendance
Tillyouhearfurtherfromme.
PAINTER.Thegodspreserveyou!
TIMON .Wellfareyou,gentleman:givemeyourhand;
Wemustneedsdinetogether.Sir,yourjewel
Hathsuffer ’dunderpraise.
JEWELLER.What,mylord!dispraise?
TIMON .Ameresatietyofcommendations.
IfIshouldpayyoufor’tas’tisextoll’d,
Itwouldunclewmequite.
JEWELLER.Mylord,’tisrated
Asthosewhichsellwouldgive:butyouwellknow,
Thingsoflivevalue,differingintheowners,
Areprizedbytheirmasters.Believe’t,dearlord,
Youmendthejewelbythewearingit.
TIMON .Wellmock’d.
MERCHANT.No,mygoodlord;hespeaksthecommon
tongue,
Whichallmenspeakwithhim.
TIMON .Look,whocomeshere.Willyoubechid?
EnterApemantus
JEWELLER.We’llbear,withyourlordship.
MERCHANT.He’llsparenone.
TIMON .Good-morrowtothee,gentleApemantus!
APEMANTUS.TillIbegentle,staythouforthygood-mor-
row;
WhenthouartTimon’sdog,andtheseknaveshonest.
TIMON .Whydostthoucallthemknaves?thouknow’stthem
not.
APEMANTUS.AretheynotAthenians?
TIMON .Yes.
APEMANTUS.ThenIrepentnot.
JEWELLER.Youknowme,Apemantus?
APEMANTUS.Thouknow’stIdo;Icall’dtheebythyname.
TIMON .Thouartproud,Apemantus.
APEMANTUS.OfnothingsomuchasthatIamnotlike
Timon.
TIMON .Whitherartgoing?
APEMANTUS.ToknockoutanhonestAthenian’sbrains.
TIMON .That’sadeedthou’ltdiefor.
APEMANTUS.Right,ifdoingnothingbedeathbythelaw.
TIMON .Howlikestthouthispicture,Apemantus?
APEMANTUS.Thebest,fortheinnocence.
TIMON .Wroughthenotwellthatpaintedit?
APEMANTUS.Hewroughtbetterthatmadethepainter;
andyethe’sbutafilthypieceofwork.
PAINTER.You’readog.
APEMANTUS.Thymother’sofmygeneration:What’sshe,
ifIbeadog?
TIMON .Wiltdinewithme,Apemantus?
APEMANTUS.No;Ieatnotlords.
TIMON .Anthoushouldst,thou’dstangerladies.
APEMANTUS.O!theyeatlords;sotheycomebygreatbel-
lies.
TIMON .That’salasciviousapprehension.
APEMANTUS.Sothouapprehendestit,takeitforthyla-
bour.
TIMON .Howdostthoulikethisjewel,Apemantus?
APEMANTUS.Notsowellasplain-dealing,whichwillnot
costamanadoit.
TIMON .Whatdostthouthink’tisworth?
APEMANTUS.Notworthmythinking.Hownow,poet!
POET.Hownow,philosopher!
APEMANTUS.Thouliest.
POET.Artnotone?
APEMANTUS.Yes.
POET.ThenIlienot.
APEMANTUS.Artnotapoet?
POET.Yes.
APEMANTUS.Thenthouliest:lookinthylastwork,where
thouhastfeignedhimaworthyfellow.
POET.That’snotfeigned;heisso.
APEMANTUS.Yes,heisworthyofthee,andtopaytheefor
thylabour:hethatlovestobeflatteredisworthyo’
theflatterer.Heavens,thatIwerealord!
TIMON .Whatwouldstdothen,Apemantus?
APEMANTUS.EvenasApemantusdoesnow;hatealord
withmyheart.
TIMON .What,thyself?
APEMANTUS.Ay.
TIMON .Wherefore?
APEMANTUS.ThatIhadnoangrywittobealord.Artnot
thouamerchant?
MERCHANT.Ay,Apemantus.
APEMANTUS.Trafficconfoundthee,ifthegodswillnot!
MERCHANT.Iftrafficdoit,thegodsdoit.
APEMANTUS.Traffic’sthygod,andthygodconfoundthee!
Trumpetsounds.EnteraServant
TIMON .Whattrumpet’sthat?
SERVANT.’TisAlcibiades,andsometwentyhorse,
Allofcompanionship.
TIMON .Pray,entertainthem:givethemguidetous.
ExeuntsomeAttendants
Youmustneedsdinewithme.Gonotyouhence
TillIhavethankedyou;whendinner’sdone,
Showmethispiece.Iamjoyfulofyoursights.
EnterAlcibiades,withhisCompany
Mostwelcome,sir!
APEMANTUS.So,so,there!
Achescontractandstarveyoursupplejoints!
Thatthereshouldbesmalllove’mongstthesesweet
knaves,
Andallthiscourtesy!Thestrainofman’sbredout
Intobaboonandmonkey.
ALCIBIADES.Sir,youhavesav’dmylonging,andIfeed
Mosthungerlyonyoursight.
TIMON .Rightwelcome,sir!
Erewedepart,we’llshareabounteoustime
Indifferentpleasures.Prayyou,letusin.
ExeuntallexceptApemantus
EntertwoLords
FIRSTLORD.Whattimeo’dayis’t,Apemantus?
APEMANTUS.Timetobehonest.
FIRSTLORD.Thattimeservesstill.
APEMANTUS.Themoreaccursedthou,thatstillomitt’stit.
SECONDLORD.ThouartgoingtoLordTimon’sfeast?
APEMANTUS.Ay;toseemeatfillknavesandwineheat
fools.
SECONDLORD.Faretheewell,faretheewell.
APEMANTUS.Thouartafooltobidmefarewelltwice.
SECONDLORD.Why,Apemantus?
APEMANTUS.Shouldsthavekeptonetothyself,forImean
togivetheenone.
FIRSTLORD.Hangthyself!
APEMANTUS.No,Iwilldonothingatthybidding:make
thyrequeststothyfriend.
SECONDLORD.Away,unpeaceabledog!orI’llspurnthee
hence.
APEMANTUS.Iwillfly,likeadog,theheelsofanass.
Exit
FIRSTLORD.He’soppositetohumanity.Come,shallwein,
AndtasteLordTimon’sbounty?heoutgoes
Theveryheartofkindness.
SECONDLORD.Hepoursitout;Plutus,thegodofgold,
Isbuthissteward:nomeedbutherepays
Sevenfoldaboveitself;nogifttohim
Butbreedsthegiverareturnexceeding
Alluseofquittance.
FIRSTLORD.Thenoblestmindhecarries
Thatevergovern’dman.
SECONDLORD.Longmayheliveinfortunes!Shallwein?
FIRSTLORD.I’llkeepyoucompany.Exeunt
SCENETWO
ARoomofStateinTimon’sHouse.
Hautboysplayingloudmusic.Agreat
banquetservedin;FlaviusandOthersattending:thenenter
LordTimon,Alcibiades,Lords,andSenators,Ventidiusand
Attendants.Thencomes,droppingafterall,Apemantus,
discontentedly,likehimself
VENTIDIUS.Mosthonour ’dTimon,
Ithathpleas’dthegodstoremembermyfather ’sage,
Andcallhimtolongpeace.
Heisgonehappy,andhasleftmerich:
Then,asingratefulvirtueIambound
Toyourfreeheart,Idoreturnthosetalents,
Doubledwiththanksandservice,fromwhosehelp
Ideriv’dliberty.
TIMON .O!bynomeans,
HonestVentidius;youmistakemylove;
Igaveitfreelyever;andthere’snone
Cantrulysayhegives,ifhereceives:
Ifourbettersplayatthatgame,wemustnotdare
Toimitatethem;faultsthatarericharefair.
VENTIDIUS.Anoblespirit.
TheyallstandceremoniouslylookingonTimon
TIMON .Nay,mylords,ceremonywasbutdevis’datfirst
Tosetaglossonfaintdeeds,hollowwelcomes,
Recantinggoodness,sorryere’tisshown;
Butwherethereistruefriendship,thereneedsnone.
Pray,sit;morewelcomeareyetomyfortunes
Thanmyfortunestome.Theysit
FIRSTLORD.Mylord,wealwayshaveconfess’dit.
APEMANTUS.Ho,ho!confess’dit;hang’dit,haveyounot?
TIMON .O!Apemantus,youarewelcome.
APEMANTUS.No,
Youshallnotmakemewelcome:
Icometohavetheethrustmeoutofdoors.
TIMON .Fie!thou’rtachurl;ye’vegotahumourthere
Doesnotbecomeaman;’tismuchtoblame.
Theysay,mylords,‘Irafurorbrevisest’;
Butyondmaniseverangry.
Go,lethimhaveatablebyhimself,
Forhedoesneitheraffectcompany,
Norishefitforit,indeed.
APEMANTUS.Letmestayatthineapperil,Timon:Icome
toobserve;Igivetheewarningon’t.
TIMON .Itakenoheedofthee;thou’rtanAthenian,there-
fore,welcome.Imyselfwouldhavenopower;prithee,
letmymeatmaketheesilent.
APEMANTUS.Iscornthymeat;’twouldchokeme,forI
should
Ne’erflatterthee.Oyougods!whatanumber
OfmeneatTimon,andheseesthemnot.
Itgrievesmetoseesomanydiptheirmeat
Inoneman’sblood;andallthemadnessis,
Hecheersthemuptoo.
Iwondermendaretrustthemselveswithmen:
Methinksthyshouldinvitethemwithoutknives;
Goodfortheirmeat,andsaferfortheirlives.
There’smuchexamplefor’t;thefellowthat
Sitsnexthimnow,partsbreadwithhim,andpledges
Thebreathofhiminadivideddraught,
Isthereadiestmantokillhim:’thasbeenprov’d.
IfIwereahugeman,Ishouldfeartodrinkatmeals;
Lesttheyshouldspymywindpipe’sdangerousnotes:
Greatmenshoulddrinkwithharnessontheirthroats.
TIMON .Mylord,inheart;andletthehealthgoround.
SECONDLORD.Letitflowthisway,mygoodlord.
APEMANTUS.Flowthisway!Abravefellow!hekeepshis
tideswell.Thosehealthswillmaketheeandthystate
lookill,Timon.
Here’sthatwhichistooweaktobeasinner,
Honestwater,whichne’erleftmani’themire:
Thisandmyfoodareequals,there’snoodds:
Feastsaretooproudtogivethankstothegods.
Immortalgods,Icravenopelf;
Iprayfornomanbutmyself:
GrantImayneverprovesofond,
Totrustmanonhisoathorbond;
Oraharlotforherweeping;
Oradogthatseemsa-sleeping;
Orakeeperwithmyfreedom;
Ormyfriends,ifIshouldneed’em.
Amen.Sofallto’t:
Richmensin,andIeatroot.Eatsanddrinks
Muchgooddichthygoodheart,Apemantus!
TIMON .CaptainAlcibiades,yourheart’sinthefieldnow.
ALCIBIADES.Myheartiseveratyourservice,mylord.
TIMON .Youhadratherbeatabreakfastofenemiesthana
dinneroffriends.
ALCIBIADES.Sotheywerebleeding-new,mylord,there’s
nomeatlike’em:Icouldwishmybestfriendatsucha
feast.
APEMANTUS.’Wouldallthoseflattererswerethineenemies
then,thatthenthoumightstkill’emandbidmeto’em.
FIRSTLORD.Mightwebuthavethathappiness,mylord,
thatyouwouldonceuseourhearts,wherebywemight
expresssomepartofourzeals,weshouldthinkourselves
foreverperfect.
TIMON .O!nodoubt,mygoodfriends,butthegodsthem-
selveshaveprovidedthatIshallhavemuchhelpfrom
you:howhadyoubeenmyfriendselse?whyhaveyou
thatcharitabletitlefromthousands,didnotyouchiefly
belongtomyheart?Ihavetoldmoreofyoutomyself
thanyoucanwithmodestyspeakinyourownbehalf;
andthusfarIconfirmyou.Oyougods!thinkI,what
needwehaveanyfriends,ifweshouldne’erhaveneed
of’em?theywerethemostneedlesscreaturesliving,
shouldwene’erhaveusefor’em,andwouldmostresemblesweetinstrumentshungupincases,thatkeep
theirsoundstothemselves.Why,Ihaveoftenwished
myselfpoorerthatImightcomenearertoyou.Weare
borntodobenefits;andwhatbetterorproperercanwe
callourownthantherichesofourfriends?O!whata
preciouscomfort’tis,tohavesomany,likebrothers,
commandingoneanother ’sfortunes.Ojoy!e’enmade
awayereitcanbeborn.Mineeyescannotholdout
water,methinks:toforgettheirfaults,Idrinktoyou.
APEMANTUS.Thouweepesttomakethemdrink,Timon.
SECONDLORD.Joyhadthelikeconceptioninoureyes,
And,atthatinstant,likeababe,sprungup.
APEMANTUS.Ho,ho!Ilaughtothinkthatbabeabastard.
THIRDLORD.Ipromiseyou,mylord,youmov’dmemuch.
APEMANTUS.Much!Tucketsounded
TIMON .Whatmeansthattrump?
EnteraServant
Hownow!
SERVANT.Pleaseyou,mylord,therearecertainladiesmost
desirousofadmittance.
TIMON .Ladies!Whataretheirwills?
SERVANT.Therecomeswiththemaforerunner,mylord,
whichbearsthatoffice,tosignifytheirpleasures.
TIMON .Ipray,letthembeadmitted.ExitServant
EnterCupid
CUPID.Hailtothee,worthyTimon;andtoall
Thatofhisbountiestaste!Thefivebestsenses
Acknowledgetheetheirpatron;andcomefreely
Togratulatethyplenteousbosom.Th’ear,
Taste,touch,smell,pleas’dfromthytablerise;
Theyonlynowcomebuttofeastthineeyes.
TIMON .Theyarewelcomeall;let’emhavekindadmit-
tance:
Music,maketheirwelcome!ExitCupid
FIRSTLORD.Yousee,mylord,howampleyou’rebelov’d.
Music.Re-enterCupid,withamaskofLadiesasAmazons,
withlutesintheirhands,dancingandplaying.
APEMANTUS.Hoy-day!whatasweepofvanitycomesthis
way:
Theydance!theyaremadwomen.
Likemadnessisthegloryofthislife,
Asthispompshowstoalittleoilandroot.
Wemakeourselvesfoolstodisportourselves;
Andspendourflatteriestodrinkthosemen
Uponwhoseagewevoiditupagain,
Withpoisonousspiteandenvy,
Wholivesthat’snotdepravedordepraves?
Whodiesthatbearsnotonespurntotheirgraves
Oftheirfriend’sgift?
Ishouldfearthosethatdancebeforemenow
Wouldonedaystampuponme:ithasbeendone;
Menshuttheirdoorsagainstasettingsun.
TheLordsrisefromtable,
withmuchadoringofTimon;andtoshow
theirloveseachsinglesoutanAmazon,andalldance,men
withwomen,aloftystrainortwotothehautboys,andcease
TIMON .Youhavedoneourpleasuresmuchgrace,fair
ladies,
Setafairfashiononourentertainment,
Whichwasnothalfsobeautifulandkind;
Youhaveaddedworthunto’tandlustre,
Andentertain’dmewithmineowndevice:
Iamtothankyoufor’t.
FIRSTLADY.Mylord,youtakeusevenatthebest.
APEMANTUS.Faith,fortheworstisfilthy;andwouldnot
holdtaking,Idoubtme.
TIMON .Ladies,thereisanidlebanquet
Attendsyou:pleaseyoutodisposeyourselves.
ALLLADIES.Mostthankfully,mylord.
ExeuntCupidandLadies
TIMON .Flavius!
FLAVIUS.Mylord?
TIMON .Thelittlecasketbringmehither.
FLAVIUS.Yes,mylord.(Aside)Morejewelsyet!
Thereisnocrossinghimin’shumour;
ElseIshouldtellhimwell,i’faith,Ishould,
Whenall’sspent,he’dbecross’dthen,anhecould.
’Tispitybountyhadnoteyesbehind,
Thatmanmightne’erbewretchedforhismind.Exit
FIRSTLORD.Wherebeourmen?
SERVANT.Here,mylord,inreadiness.
SECONDLORD.Ourhorses!
Re-enterFlavius,withtheCasket
TIMON .O,myfriends!Ihaveonewordtosaytoyou;
Lookyou,mygoodlord,
Imustentreatyou,honourmesomuch
Astoadvancethisjewel;acceptitandwearit,
Kindmylord.
FIRSTLORD.Iamsofaralreadyinyourgifts—
ALL.Soareweall.
EnteraServant
SERVANT.Mylord,therearecertainnoblesofthesenate
Newlyalighted,andcometovisityou.
TIMON .Theyarefairlywelcome.ExitServant
FLAVIUS.Ibeseechyourhonour,
Vouchsafemeaword;itdoesconcernyounear.
TIMON .Near!whythenanothertimeI’llhearthee.
Ipritheelet’sbeprovidedtoshowthementertainment.
FLAVIUS.(Aside)Iscarceknowhow.
EnteranotherServant
SECONDSERVANT.Mayitpleaseyourhonour,LordLucius,
Outofhisfreelove,hathpresentedtoyou
Fourmilk-whitehorses,trapp’dinsilver.
TIMON .Ishallacceptthemfairly;letthepresents
Beworthilyentertain’d.ExitServant
EnterathirdServant
Hownow!whatnews?
THIRDSERVANT.Pleaseyou,mylord,thathonourable
gentleman,LordLucullus,entreatsyourcompanytomorrowtohuntwithhim,andhassentyourhonourtwo
braceofgreyhounds.
TIMON .I’llhuntwithhim;andletthembereceiv’d,
Notwithoutfairreward.ExitServant
FLAVIUS.(Aside)Whatwillthiscometo?
Hecommandsustoprovide,andgivegreatgifts,
Andalloutofanemptycoffer:
Norwillheknowhispurse,oryieldmethis,
Toshowhimwhatabeggarhisheartis,
Beingofnopowertomakehiswishesgood.
Hispromisesflysobeyondhisstate
Thatwhathespeaksisallindebt;heowes
Foreveryword:heissokindthathenow
Paysinterestfor’t;hisland’sputtotheirbooks.
Well,wouldIweregentlyputoutofoffice
BeforeIwereforc’dout!
Happierhethathasnofriendtofeed
Thansuchasdoe’enenemiesexceed.
Ibleedinwardlyformylord.Exit
TIMON .Youdoyourselves
Muchwrong,youbatetoomuchofyourownmerits:
Here,mylord,atrifleofourlove.
SECONDLORD.WithmorethancommonthanksIwill
receiveit.
THIRDLORD.O!he’stheverysoulofbounty.
TIMON .AndnowIremember,mylord,yougave
Goodwordstheotherdayofabaycourser
Irodeon:itisyours,becauseyoulik’dit.
THIRDLORD.O!Ibeseechyou,pardonme,mylord,inthat.
TIMON .Youmaytakemyword,mylord:Iknownoman
Canjustlypraisebutwhathedoesaffect:
Iweighmyfriend’saffectionwithmineown;
I’lltellyoutrue.I’llcalltoyou.
ALLLORDS.O!nonesowelcome.
TIMON .Itakeallandyourseveralvisitations
Sokindtoheart,’tisnotenoughtogive;
Methinks,Icoulddealkingdomstomyfriends,
Andne’erbeweary.Alcibiades.
Thouartasoldier,thereforeseldomrich;
Itcomesincharitytothee;forallthyliving
Is’mongstthedead,andallthelandsthouhast
Lieinapitch’dfield.
ALCIBIADES.Ay,defil’dland,mylord.
FIRSTLORD.Wearesovirtuouslybound,—
TIMON .Andso
AmItoyou.
SECONDLORD.Soinfinitelyendear ’d,—
TIMON .Alltoyou.Lights,morelights!
FIRSTLORD.Thebestofhappiness,
Honour,andfortunes,keepwithyou,LordTimon!
TIMON .Readyforhisfriends.
ExeuntAlcibiades,Lords,&c.
APEMANTUS.Whatacoil’shere!
Servingofbecksandjuttingoutofbums!
Idoubtwhethertheirlegsbeworththesums
Thataregivenfor’em.Friendship’sfullofdregs:
Methinks,falseheartsshouldneverhavesoundlegs.
Thushonestfoolslayouttheirwealthoncurtsies.
TIMON .Now,Apemantus,ifthouwertnotsullen,
Iwouldbegoodtothee.
APEMANTUS.No,I’llnothing;forifIshouldbebribedtoo,
therewouldbenonelefttorailuponthee,andthenthou
wouldstsinthefaster.Thougivestsolong,Timon,Ifear
methouwiltgiveawaythyselfinpapershortly:what
needthesefeasts,pomps,andvain-glories?
TIMON .Nay,anyoubegintorailonsocietyonce,Iam
swornnottogiveregardtoyou.Farewell;andcome
withbettermusic.Exit
APEMANTUS.So:
Thouwiltnothearmenow;thoushaltnotthen;
I’lllockthyheavenfromthee.
O!thatmen’searsshouldbe
Tocounseldeaf,butnottoflattery.Exit
ACTTWO
SCENEONE
Athens.ARoominaSenator’sHouse.
EnteraSenator,withpapersinhishand
SENATOR.Andlate,fivethousand:toVarroandtoIsidore
Heowesninethousand;besidesmyformersum,
Whichmakesitfive-and-twenty.Stillinmotion
Ofragingwaste!Itcannothold;itwillnot.
IfIwantgold,stealbutabeggar ’sdog
AndgiveitTimon,why,thedogcoinsgold;
IfIwouldsellmyhorse,andbuytwentymore
Betterthanhe,why,givemyhorsetoTimon,
Asknothing,giveithim,itfoalsme,straight,
Andablehorses.Norporterathisgate,
Butratheronethatsmilesandstillinvites
Allthatpassby.Itcannothold;noreason
Canfoundhisstateinsafety.Caphis,ho!
Caphis,Isay!
EnterCaphis
CAPHIS.Here,sir;whatisyourpleasure?
SENATOR.Getonyourcloak,andhasteyoutoLordTimon;
Importunehimformymoneys;benotceas’d
Withslightdenial,northensilenc’dwhen—
‘Commendmetoyourmaster ’—andthecap
Playsintherighthand,thus;—buttellhim,
Myusescrytome;Imustservemyturn
Outofmineown;hisdaysandtimesarepast,
Andmyreliancesonhisfracteddates
Havesmitmycredit:Iloveandhonourhim,
Butmustnotbreakmybacktohealhisfinger;
Immediatearemyneeds,andmyrelief
Mustnotbetoss’dandturn’dtomeinwords,
Butfindsupplyimmediate.Getyougone:
Putonamostimportunateaspect,
Avisageofdemand;for,Idofear,
Wheneveryfeathersticksinhisownwing,
LordTimonwillbeleftanakedgull,
Whichflashesnowaphœnix.Getyougone.
CAPHIS.Igo,sir.
SENATOR.‘Igo,sir!’Takethebondsalongwithyou,
Andhavethedatesincompt.
CAPHIS.Iwill,sir.
SENATOR.Go.Exeunt
SCENETWO
AHallinTimon’sHouse.
EnterFlavius,withmanybillsinhishand
FLAVIUS.Nocare,nostop!sosenselessofexpense,
Thathewillneitherknowhowtomaintainit,
Norceasehisflowofriot:takesnoaccount
Howthingsgofromhim,norresumesnocare
Ofwhatistocontinue:nevermind
Wastobesounwise,tobesokind.
Whatshallbedone?Hewillnothear,tillfeel:
Imustberoundwithhim,nowhecomesfromhunting.
Fie,fie,fie,fie!
EnterCaphis,andtheServantsofIsidoreandVarro
CAPHIS.Goodeven,Varro.What!
Youcomeformoney?
VARRO’SSERVANT.Is’tnotyourbusinesstoo?
CAPHIS.Itis:andyourstoo,Isidore?
ISIDORE’SSERVANT.Itisso.
CAPHIS.Wouldwewerealldischarg’d!
VARRO’SSERVANT.Ifearit.
CAPHIS.Herecomesthelord!
EnterTimon,Alcibiades,andLords,&c.
TIMON .Sosoonasdinner’sdone,we’llforthagain,
MyAlcibiades.Withme?whatisyourwill?
CAPHIS.Mylord,hereisanoteofcertaindues.
TIMON .Dues!Whenceareyou?
CAPHIS.OfAthenshere,mylord.
TIMON .Gotomysteward.
CAPHIS.Pleaseityourlordship,hehathputmeoff
Tothesuccessionofnewdaysthismonth:
Mymasterisawak’dbygreatoccasion
Tocalluponhisown;andhumblypraysyou
Thatwithyourothernoblepartsyou’llsuit
Ingivinghimhisright.
TIMON .Minehonestfriend,
Iprithee,butrepairtomenextmorning.
CAPHIS.Nay,goodmylord,—
TIMON .Containthyself,goodfriend.
VARRO’SSERVANT.OneVarro’sservant,mygoodlord,—
ISIDORE’SSERVANT.FromIsidore;
Hehumblypraysyourspeedypayment,
CAPHIS.Ifyoudidknow,mylord,mymaster ’swants,—
VARRO’SSERVANT.’Twasdueonforfeiture,mylord,six
weeks
Andpast.
ISIDORE’SSERVANT.Yourstewardputsmeoff,mylord;
AndIamsentexpresslytoyourlordship.
TIMON .Givemebreath.
Idobeseechyou,goodmylords,keepon;
I’llwaituponyouinstantly.
ExeuntAlcibiadesandLords
(ToFlavius)Comehither:prayyou,
Howgoestheworld,thatIamthusencounter ’d
Withclamorousdemandsofdate-brokebonds,
Andthedetentionoflong-since-duedebts,
Againstmyhonour?
FLAVIUS.Pleaseyou,gentlemen,
Thetimeisunagreeabletothisbusiness:
Yourimportunacyceasetillafterdinner,
ThatImaymakehislordshipunderstand
Whereforeyouarenotpaid.
TIMON .Doso,myfriends.
Seethemwellentertained.Exit
FLAVIUS.Pray,drawnear.Exit
EnterApemantusandFool
CAPHIS.Stay,stay;herecomesthefoolwithApemantus;
let’sha’somesportwith’em.
VARRO’SSERVANT.Hanghim,he’llabuseus.
ISIDORE’SSERVANT.Aplagueuponhim,dog!
VARRO’SSERVANT.Howdost,fool?
APEMANTUS.Dostdialoguewiththyshadow?
VARRO’SSERVANT.Ispeaknottothee.
APEMANTUS.No;’tistothyself.(TotheFool)Comeaway.
ISIDORE’SSERVANT.(ToVarro’sServant)There’sthefool
hangsonyourbackalready.
APEMANTUS.No,thoustand’stsingle;thou’rtnotonhim
yet.
CAPHIS.Where’sthefoolnow?
APEMANTUS.Helastaskedthequestion.Poorrogues,and
usurers’men!bawdsbetweengoldandwant!
ALLSERVANTS.Whatarewe,Apemantus?
APEMANTUS.Asses.
ALLSERVANTS.Why?
APEMANTUS.Thatyouaskmewhatyouare,anddonot
knowyourselves.Speakto’em,fool.
FOOL.Howdoyou,gentlemen?
ALLSERVANTS.Gramercies,goodfool.Howdoesyourmis-
tress?
FOOL.She’se’ensettingonwatertoscaldsuchchickens
asyouare.WouldwecouldseeyouatCorinth!
APEMANTUS.Good!gramercy.
EnterPage
FOOL.Lookyou,herecomesmymistress’page.
PAGE.(TotheFool)Why,hownow,captain!whatdoyou
inthiswisecompany?Howdostthou,Apemantus?
APEMANTUS.WouldIhadarodinmymouth,thatImight
answertheeprofitably.
PAGE.Prithee,Apemantus,readmethesuperscriptionof
theseletters:Iknownotwhichiswhich.
APEMANTUS.Canstnotread?
PAGE.No.
APEMANTUS.Therewilllittlelearningdiethen,thatday
thouarthanged.ThisistoLordTimon;thistoAlcibiades.Go;thouwastbornabastard,andthou’ltdiea
bawd.
PAGE.Thouwastwhelpedadog,andthoushaltfamisha
dog’sdeath.Answernot;Iamgone.ExitPage
APEMANTUS.E’ensothououtrunn’stgrace.—Fool,Iwillgo
withyoutoLordTimon’s.
FOOL.Willyouleavemethere?
APEMANTUS.IfTimonstayathome.Youthreeservethree
usurers?
ALLSERVANTS.Ay;wouldtheyservedus!
APEMANTUS.SowouldI,asgoodatrickaseverhangman
servedthief.
FOOL.Areyouthreeusurers’men?
ALLSERVANTS.Ay,fool.
FOOL.Ithinknousurerbuthasafooltohisservant:my
mistressisone,andIamherfool.Whenmencometo
borrowofyourmasters,theyapproachsadly,andgo
awaymerry;buttheyentermymistress’housemerrily,
andgoawaysadly:thereasonofthis?
VARRO’SSERVANT.Icouldrenderone.
APEMANTUS.Doit,then,thatwemayaccounttheea
whoremasterandaknave;which,notwithstanding,thou
shaltbenolessesteemed.
VARRO’SSERVANT.Whatisawhoremaster,fool?
FOOL.Afoolingoodclothes,andsomethinglikethee.’Tis
aspirit:sometime’tappearslikealord;sometimelikea
lawyer;sometimelikeaphilosopher,withtwostones
morethan’sartificialone.Heisveryoftenlikeaknight;
andgenerallyinallshapesthatmangoesupanddown
infromfourscoretothirteen,thisspiritwalksin.
VARRO’SSERVANT.Thouartnotaltogetherafool.
FOOL.Northoualtogetherawiseman:asmuchfooleryas
Ihave,somuchwitthoulackest.
APEMANTUS.ThatanswermighthavebecomeApemantus.
ALLSERVANTS.Aside,aside;herecomesLordTimon.
Re-enterTimonandFlavius
APEMANTUS.Comewithme,fool,come.
FOOL.Idonotalwaysfollowlover,elderbrotherand
woman;sometimethephilosopher.
ExeuntApemantusandFool
FLAVIUS.Prayyou,walknear:I’llspeakwithyouanon.
ExeuntServants
TIMON .Youmakememarvel:wherefore,erethistime,
Hadyounotfullylaidmystatebeforeme,
ThatImightsohaveratedmyexpense
AsIhadleaveofmeans?
FLAVIUS.Youwouldnothearme,
AtmanyleisuresIpropos’d.
TIMON .Goto:
Perchancesomesinglevantagesyoutook,
Whenmyindispositionputyouback;
Andthatunaptnessmadeyourminister,
Thustoexcuseyourself.
FLAVIUS.Omygoodlord
AtmanytimesIbroughtinmyaccounts,
Laidthembeforeyou;youwouldthrowthemoff,
Andsayyoufoundtheminminehonesty.
Whenforsometriflingpresentyouhavebidme
Returnsomuch,Ihaveshookmyhead,andwept;
Yea,’gainsttheauthorityofmanners,pray’dyou
Toholdyourhandmoreclose:Ididendure
Notseldom,nornoslightchecks,whenIhave
Promptedyouintheebbofyourestate
Andyourgreatflowofdebts.Mylovedlord,
Thoughyouhearnow,toolate,yetnow’satime,
Thegreatestofyourhavinglacksahalf
Topayyourpresentdebts.
TIMON .Letallmylandbesold.
FLAVIUS.’Tisallengag’d,someforfeitedandgone;
Andwhatremainswillhardlystopthemouth
Ofpresentdues;thefuturecomesapace:
Whatshalldefendtheinterim?andatlength
Howgoesourreckoning?
TIMON .ToLacedæmondidmylandextend.
FLAVIUS.Omygoodlord!theworldisbutaword;
Wereitallyourstogiveitinabreath,
Howquicklywereitgone!
TIMON .Youtellmetrue.
FLAVIUS.Ifyoususpectmyhusbandryorfalsehood,
Callmebeforetheexactestauditors,
Andsetmeontheproof.Sothegodsblessme,
Whenallourofficeshavebeenoppress’d
Withriotousfeeders,whenourvaultshavewept
Withdrunkenspilthofwine,wheneveryroom
Hathblaz’dwithlightsandbray’dwithminstrelsy,
Ihaveretir ’dmetoawastefulcock,
Andsetmineeyesatflow.
TIMON .Prithee,nomore.
FLAVIUS.Heavens!haveIsaid,thebountyofthislord!
Howmanyprodigalbitshaveslavesandpeasants
Thisnightenglutted!WhoisnotTimon’s?
Whatheart,head,sword,force,means,butisLord
Timon’s?
GreatTimon,noble,worthy,royalTimon!
Ah!whenthemeansaregonethatbuythispraise,
Thebreathisgonewhereofthispraiseismade:
Feast-won,fast-lost;onecloudofwintershowers,
Thesefliesarecouch’d.
TIMON .Come,sermonmenofurther;
Novillanousbountyyethathpass’dmyheart;
Unwisely,notignobly,haveIgiven.
Whydostthouweep?Canstthoutheconsciencelack,
TothinkIshalllackfriends?Securethyheart;
IfIwouldbroachthevesselsofmylove,
Andtrytheargumentofheartsbyborrowing,
Menandmen’sfortunescouldIfranklyuse
AsIcanbidtheespeak.
FLAVIUS.Assuranceblessyourthoughts!
TIMON .And,insomesort,thesewantsofmineare
crown’d,
ThatIaccountthemblessings;forbythese
ShallItryfriends.Youshallperceivehowyou
Mistakemyfortunes;Iamwealthyinmyfriends.
Withinthere!Flaminius!Servilius!
EnterFlaminius,Servilius,andotherServants
SERVANTS.Mylord!mylord!
TIMON .Iwilldispatchyouseverally:you,toLordLucius;
toLordLucullusyou:Ihuntedwithhishonourto-day;
you,toSempronius.Commendmetotheirloves;andI
amproud,say,thatmyoccasionshavefoundtimetouse
themtowardasupplyofmoney:lettherequestbefifty
talents.
FLAMINIUS.Asyouhavesaid,mylord.
FLAVIUS.(Aside)LordLucius,andLucullus?hum!
TIMON .(ToanotherServant)Goyou,sir,tothesenators,—
Ofwhom,eventothestate’sbesthealth,Ihave
Deserv’dthishearing,—bid’emsendo’theinstant
Athousandtalentstome.ExeuntServants
FLAVIUS.Ihavebeenbold,—
ForthatIknewitthemostgeneralway,—
Tothemtouseyoursignetandyourname;
Buttheydoshaketheirheads,andIamhere
Noricherinreturn.
TIMON .Is’ttrue?can’tbe?
FLAVIUS.Theyanswer,inajointandcorporatevoice,
Thatnowtheyareatfall,wanttreasure,cannot
Dowhattheywould;aresorry;youarehonourable;
Butyettheycouldhavewish’d;theyknownot;
Somethinghathbeenamiss;anoblenature
Maycatchawrench;wouldallwerewell;’tispity;
Andso,intendingotherseriousmatters,
Afterdistastefullooksandthesehardfractions,
Withcertainhalf-capsandcold-movingnods
Theyfrozemeintosilence.
TIMON .Yougods,rewardthem!
Prithee,man,lookcheerly.Theseoldfellows
Havetheiringratitudeinthemhereditary;
Theirbloodiscak’d,’tiscold,itseldomflows;
’Tislackofkindlywarmththeyarenotkind;
Andnature,asitgrowsagaintowardearth,
Isfashion’dforthejourney,dullandheavy.
(ToaServant)GotoVentidius.—(ToFlavius)Prithee,
benotsad,
Thouarttrueandhonest;ingenuouslyIspeak,
Noblamebelongstothee.—(ToServant)Ventidiuslately
Buriedhisfather;bywhosedeathhe’sstepp’d
Intoagreatestate;whenhewaspoor,
Imprison’dandinscarcityoffriends,
Iclear ’dhimwithfivetalents;greethimfromme;
Bidhimsupposesomegoodnecessity
Toucheshisfriend,whichcravestoberemember ’d
Withthosefivetalents.(ExitServant)(ToFlavius)
Thathad,give’tthesefellows
Towhom’tisinstantdue.Ne’erspeak,orthink
ThatTimon’sfortunes’monghisfriendscansink.
FLAVIUS.IwouldIcouldnotthinkit:thatthoughtis
bounty’sfoe;
Beingfreeitself,itthinksallothersso.Exeunt
ACTTHREE
SCENEONE
Athens.ARoominLucullus’House.
Flaminiuswaiting.EnteraServanttohim
SERVANT.Ihavetoldmylordofyou;heiscomingdownto
you.
FLAMINIUS.Ithankyou,sir.
EnterLucullus
SERVANT.Here’smylord.
LUCULLUS.(Aside)OneofLordTimon’smen!agift,I
warrant.Why,thishitsright;Idreamtofasilverbasin
andewerto-night.Flaminius,honestFlaminius,youare
veryrespectivelywelcome,sir.Fillmesomewine.(Exit
Servant)Andhowdoesthathonourable,complete,freeheartedgentlemanofAthens,thyverybountifulgood
lordandmaster?
FLAMINIUS.Hishealthiswell,sir.
LUCULLUS.Iamrightgladthathishealthiswell,sir.And
whathastthouthereunderthycloak,prettyFlaminius?
FLAMINIUS.Faith,nothingbutanemptybox,sir;which,in
mylord’sbehalf,Icometoentreatyourhonourtosupply;who,havinggreatandinstantoccasiontousefifty
talents,hathsenttoyourlordshiptofurnishhim,nothingdoubtingyourpresentassistancetherein.
LUCULLUS.La,la,la,la!‘nothingdoubting,’sayshe?Alas!
goodlord;anoblegentleman’tis,ifhewouldnotkeep
sogoodahouse.ManyatimeandoftenIha’dined
withhim,andtoldhimon’t;andcomeagaintosupper
tohim,ofpurposetohavehimspendless;andyethe
wouldembracenocounsel,takenowarningbymycoming.Everymanhashisfault,andhonestyishis;Iha’
toldhimon’t,butIcouldne’ergethimfromit.
Re-enterServant,withwine
SERVANT.Pleaseyourlordship,hereisthewine.
LUCULLUS.Flaminius,Ihavenotedtheealwayswise.
Here’stothee.
FLAMINIUS.Yourlordshipspeaksyourpleasure.
LUCULLUS.Ihaveobservedtheealwaysforatowardly
promptspirit,givetheethydue,andonethatknows
whatbelongstoreason;andcanstusethetimewell,if
thetimeusetheewell:goodpartsinthee.(Tothe
Servant)—Getyougone,sirrah.—(ExitServant)Draw
nearer,honestFlaminius.Thylord’sabountifulgentleman;butthouartwise,andthouknowestwellenough,
althoughthoucomesttome,thatthisisnotimetolend
money,especiallyuponbarefriendship,withoutse-
curity.Here’sthreesolidaresforthee:goodboy,wink
atme,andsaythousawestmenot.Faretheewell.
FLAMINIUS.Is’tpossibletheworldshouldsomuchdiffer,
Andwealivethatliv’d?Fly,damnedbaseness,
Tohimthatworshipsthee.Throwingthemoneyaway
LUCULLUS.Ha!nowIseethouartafool,andfitforthy
master.Exit
FLAMINIUS.Maytheseaddtothenumberthatmayscald
thee!
Letmoltencoinbethydamnation,
Thoudiseaseofafriend,andnothimself!
Hasfriendshipsuchafaintandmilkyheart
Itturnsinlessthantwonights?Oyougods!
Ifeelmymaster ’spassion.Thisslaveuntohishonour
Hasmylord’smeatinhim:
Whyshoulditthriveandturntonutriment
Whenheisturn’dtopoison?
O!maydiseasesonlyworkupon’t.
And,whenhe’ssicktodeath,letnotthatpartofnature
Whichmylordpaidfor,beofanypower
Toexpelsickness,butprolonghishour.Exit
SCENETWO
APublicPlace.
EnterLucius,withthreeStrangers
LUCIUS.Who,theLordTimon?heismyverygoodfriend,
andanhonourablegentleman.
FIRSTSTRANGER.Weknowhimfornoless,thoughweare
butstrangerstohim.ButIcantellyouonething,my
lord,andwhichIhearfromcommonrumours:nowLord
Timon’shappyhoursaredoneandpast,andhisestate
shrinksfromhim.
LUCIUS.Fie,no,donotbelieveit;hecannotwantfor
money.
SECONDSTRANGER.Butbelieveyouthis,mylord,that,not
longago,oneofhismenwaswiththeLordLucullus,to
borrowsomanytalents,nay,urgedextremelyfor’t,and
showedwhatnecessitybelongedto’t,andyetwas
denied.
LUCIUS.How!
SECONDSTRANGER.Itellyou,denied,mylord.
LUCIUS.Whatastrangecasewasthat!now,beforethe
gods,Iamashamedon’t.Deniedthathonourableman!
therewasverylittlehonourshowedin’t.Formyown
part,Imustneedsconfess,Ihavereceivedsomesmall
kindnessesfromhim,asmoney,plate,jewels,andsuch
liketrifles,nothingcomparingtohis;yet,hadhemis-
tookhim,andsenttome,Ishouldne’erhavedeniedhis
occasionsomanytalents.
EnterServilius
SERVILIUS.See,bygoodhap,yonder’smylord;Ihave
sweattoseehishonour.(ToLucius)Myhonouredlord!
LUCIUS.Servilius!youarekindlymet,sir.Faretheewell:
commendmetothyhonourablevirtuouslord,myvery
exquisitefriend.
SERVILIUS.Mayitpleaseyourhonour,mylordhathsent—
LUCIUS.Ha!whathashesent?Iamsomuchendearedto
thatlord;he’seversending:howshallIthankhim,
thinkestthou?Andwhathashesentnow?
SERVILIUS.Hehasonlysenthispresentoccasionnow,my
lord;requestingyourlordshiptosupplyhisinstantuse
withsomanytalents.
LUCIUS.Iknowhislordshipisbutmerrywithme;
Hecannotwantfifty-fivehundredtalents.
SERVILIUS.Butinthemeantimehewantsless,mylord.
Ifhisoccasionwerenotvirtuous,
Ishouldnoturgeithalfsofaithfully.
LUCIUS.Dostthouspeakseriously,Servilius?
SERVILIUS.Uponmysoul,’tistrue,sir.
LUCIUS.WhatawickedbeastwasItodisfurnishmyself
againstsuchagoodtime,whenImightha’shownmyselfhonourable!howunluckilyithappened,thatI
shouldpurchasethedaybeforeforalittlepart,andundo
agreatdealofhonour!Servilius,now,beforethegods,I
amnotabletodo;themorebeast,Isay;Iwassending
touseLordTimonmyself,thesegentlemencanwitness;
butIwouldnot,forthewealthofAthens,Ihaddoneit
now.Commendmebountifullytohisgoodlordship;and
Ihopehishonourwillconceivethefairestofme,becauseIhavenopowertobekind:andtellhimthisfrom
me,Icountitoneofmygreatestafflictions,say,thatI
cannotpleasuresuchanhonourablegentleman.Good
Servilius,willyoubefriendmesofarastousemineown
wordstohim?
SERVILIUS.Yes,sir,Ishall.
LUCIUS.I’lllookyououtagoodturn,Servilius.
ExitServilius
True,asyousaid,Timonisshrunkindeed;
Andhethat’soncedeniedwillhardlyspeed.Exit
FIRSTSTRANGER.Doyouobservethis,Hostilius?
SECONDSTRANGER.Ay,toowell.
FIRSTSTRANGER.Why,thisistheworld’ssoul;andjustof
thesamepiece
Iseveryflatterer ’sspirit.Whocancallhim
Hisfriendthatdipsinthesamedish?for,in
Myknowing,Timonhasbeenthislord’sfather,
Andkepthiscreditwithhispurse,
Supportedhisestate;nay,Timon’smoney
Haspaidhismentheirwages:hene’erdrinks
ButTimon’ssilvertreadsuponhislip;
Andyet,O!seethemonstrousnessofman,
Whenhelooksoutinanungratefulshape,
Hedoesdenyhim,inrespectofhis,
Whatcharitablemenaffordtobeggars.
THIRDSTRANGER.Religiongroansatit.
FIRSTSTRANGER.Formineownpart,
InevertastedTimoninmylife,
Norcameanyofhisbountiesoverme,
Tomarkmeforhisfriend;yet,Iprotest,
Forhisrightnoblemind,illustriousvirtue,
Andhonourablecarriage,
Hadhisnecessitymadeuseofme,
Iwouldhaveputmywealthintodonation,
Andthebesthalfshouldhavereturn’dtohim,
SomuchIlovehisheart.But,Iperceive,
Menmustlearnnowwithpitytodispense;
Forpolicysitsaboveconscience.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
ARoominSempronius’House.
EnterSemproniusandaServantofTimon’s
SEMPRONIUS.Mustheneedstroublemein’t.Hum!’bove
allothers?
HemighthavetriedLordLucius,orLucullus;
AndnowVentidiusiswealthytoo,
Whomheredeem’dfromprison:allthese
Owetheirestatesuntohim.
SERVANT.Mylord,
Theyhaveallbeentouch’dandfoundbasemetal,for
Theyhavealldeniedhim.
SEMPRONIUS.How!havetheydeniedhim?
HaveVentidiusandLucullusdeniedhim?
Anddoeshesendtome?Three?hum!
Itshowsbutlittleloveorjudgmentinhim:
MustIbehislastrefuge?Hisfriends,likephysicians,
Thricegivehimover;mustItakethecureuponme?
Hehasmuchdisgrac’dmein’t;I’mangryathim,
Thatmighthaveknownmyplace.Iseenosensefor’t,
Buthisoccasionsmighthavewoo’dmefirst;
For,inmyconscience,Iwasthefirstman
Thate’erreceivedgiftfromhim:
Anddoeshethinksobackwardlyofmenow,
ThatI’llrequiteitlast?No:
Soitmayproveanargumentoflaughter
Totherest,andI’mongstlordsbethoughtafool.
Ihadratherthantheworthofthricethesum,
Hehadsenttomefirst,butformymind’ssake;
I’dsuchacouragetodohimgood.Butnowreturn,
Andwiththeirfaintreplythisanswerjoin;
Whobatesminehonourshallnotknowmycoin.Exit
SERVANT.Excellent!Yourlordship’sagoodlyvillain.The
devilknewnotwhathedidwhenhemademanpolitic;
hecrossedhimselfby’t:andIcannotthinkbutinthe
endthevillaniesofmanwillsethimclear.Howfairly
thislordstrivestoappearfoul!takesvirtuouscopiesto
bewicked,likethosethatunderhotardentzealwould
setwholerealmsonfire:
Ofsuchanatureishispoliticlove.
Thiswasmylord’sbesthope;nowallarefled
Saveonlythegods.Nowhisfriendsaredead,
Doors,thatwerene’eracquaintedwiththeirwards
Manyabounteousyear,mustbeemploy’d
Nowtoguardsuretheirmaster:
Andthisisallaliberalcourseallows;
Whocannotkeephiswealthmustkeephishouse.Exit
SCENEFOUR
AHallinTimon’sHouse.
EntertwoServantsofVarro,andtheServantofLucius,
meetingTitus,Hortensius,andotherServantsto
Timon’sCreditors,waitinghiscomingout
VARRO’SSERVANTI.Wellmet;good-morrow,TitusandHortensius.
TITUS.Theliketoyou,kindVarro.
HORTENSIUS.Lucius!
What!dowemeettogether!
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Ay,andIthink
Onebusinessdoescommandusall;formine
Ismoney.
TITUS.Soistheirsandours.
EnterPhilotus
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.AndSirPhilotustoo!
PHILOTUS.Gooddayatonce.
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Welcome,goodbrother.
Whatdoyouthinkthehour?
PHILOTUS.Labouringfornine.
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Somuch?
PHILOTUS.Isnotmylordseenyet?
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Notyet.
PHILOTUS.Iwonderon’t;hewaswonttoshineatseven.
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Ay,butthedaysarewaxedshorterwith
him:
Youmustconsiderthataprodigalcourse
Islikethesun’s;butnot,likehis,recoverable.
Ifear
’TisdeepestwinterinLordTimon’spurse;
Thatis,onemayreachdeepenough,andyet
Findlittle.
PHILOTUS.Iamofyourfearforthat.
TITUS.I’llshowyouhowtoobserveastrangeevent.
Yourlordsendsnowformoney.
HORTENSIUS.Mosttrue,hedoes.
TITUS.AndhewearsjewelsnowofTimon’sgift,
ForwhichIwaitformoney.
HORTENSIUS.Itisagainstmyheart.
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Mark,howstrangeitshows,
Timoninthisshouldpaymorethanheowes:
Ande’enasifyourlordshouldwearrichjewels,
Andsendformoneyfor’em.
HORTENSIUS.I’mwearyofthischarge,thegodscanwit-
ness:
IknowmylordhathspentofTimon’swealth,
Andnowingratitudemakesitworsethanstealth.
VARRO’SSERVANTI.Yes,mine’sthreethousandcrowns;
What’syours?
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Fivethousandmine.
VARRO’SSERVANTI.’Tismuchdeep:anditshouldseemby
thesum,
Yourmaster ’sconfidencewasabovemine;
Else,surely,hishadequall’d.
EnterFlaminius
TITUS.OneofLordTimon’smen.
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Flaminius!Sir,aword.Pray,ismylord
readytocomeforth?
FLAMINIUS.No,indeed,heisnot.
TITUS.Weattendhislordship;pray,signifysomuch.
FLAMINIUS.Ineednottellhimthat;heknowsyouaretoo
diligent.ExitFlaminius
EnterFlaviusinacloak,muffled
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Ha!isnotthathisstewardmuffledso?
Hegoesawayinacloud:callhim,callhim.
TITUS.Doyouhear,sir?
VARRO’SSERVANTII.Byyourleave,sir.
FLAVIUS.Whatdoyouaskofme,myfriend?
TITUS.Wewaitforcertainmoneyhere,sir.
FLAVIUS.Ay,
Ifmoneywereascertainasyourwaiting,
’Tweresureenough.
Whythenpreferr ’dyounotyoursumsandbills,
Whenyourfalsemasterseatofmylord’smeat?
Thentheycouldsmileandfawnuponhisdebts,
Andtakedowntheinterestintotheirgluttonousmaws.
Youdoyourselvesbutwrongtostirmeup;
Letmepassquietly:
Believe’t,mylordandIhavemadeanend;
Ihavenomoretoreckon,hetospend.
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Ay,butthisanswerwillnotserve.
FLAVIUS.If’twillnotserve,’tisnotsobaseasyou;
Foryouserveknaves.Exit
VARRO’SSERVANTI.How!whatdoeshiscashieredworship
mutter?
VARRO’SSERVANTII.Nomatterwhat;he’spoor,andthat’s
revengeenough.Whocanspeakbroaderthanhethat
hasnohousetoputhisheadin?suchmayrailagainst
greatbuildings.
EnterServilius
TITUS.O!here’sServilius;nowweshallknowsomeanswer.
SERVILIUS.IfImightbeseechyou,gentlemen,torepair
someotherhour,Ishouldderivemuchfrom’t;for,take
’tofmysoul,mylordleanswondrouslytodiscontent.
Hiscomfortabletemperhasforsookhim;he’smuchout
ofhealth,andkeepshischamber.
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Manydokeeptheirchambersarenot
sick:
And,ifitbesofarbeyondhishealth,
Methinksheshouldthesoonerpayhisdebts,
Andmakeaclearwaytothegods.
SERVILIUS.Goodgods!
TITUS.Wecannottakethisforanswer,sir.
FLAMINIUS.(Within)Servilius,help!mylord!mylord!
EnterTimon,inarage;Flaminiusfollowing
TIMON .What!aremydoorsoppos’dagainstmypassage?
HaveIbeeneverfree,andmustmyhouse
Bemyretentiveenemy,mygaol?
TheplacewhichIhavefeasted,doesitnow,
Likeallmankind,showmeanironheart?
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Putitnow,Titus.
TITUS.Mylord,hereismybill.
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Here’smine.
HORTENSIUS.Andmine,mylord.
BOTHVARRO’SSERVANTS.Andours,mylord.
PHILOTUS.Allourbills.
TIMON .Knockmedownwith’em:cleavemetothegirdle.
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Alas!mylord,—
TIMON .Cutmyheartinsums.
TITUS.Mine,fiftytalents.
TIMON .Telloutmyblood.
LUCIUS’SSERVANT.Fivethousandcrowns,mylord.
TIMON .Fivethousanddropspaysthat.Whatyours?and
yours?
VARRO’SSERVANTI.Mylord,—
VARRO’SSERVANTII.Mylord,—
TIMON .Tearme,takeme;andthegodsfalluponyou!Exit
HORTENSIUS.Faith,Iperceiveourmastersmaythrowtheir
capsattheirmoney:thesedebtsmaywellbecalleddesperateones,foramadmanowes’em.Exeunt
Re-enterTimonandFlavius
TIMON .Theyhavee’enputmybreathfromme,theslaves:
Creditors?devils!
FLAVIUS.Mydearlord,—
TIMON .Whatifitshouldbeso?
FLAVIUS.Mylord,—
TIMON .I’llhaveitso.Mysteward!
FLAVIUS.Here,mylord.
TIMON .Sofitly!Go,bidallmyfriendsagain,
Lucius,Lucullus,andSempronius;all:
I’lloncemorefeasttherascals.
FLAVIUS.Omylord!
Youonlyspeakfromyourdistractedsoul;
Thereisnotsomuchlefttofurnishout
Amoderatetable.
TIMON .Be’tnotinthycare:go.
Ichargethee,invitethemall:letinthetide
Ofknavesoncemore;mycookandI’llprovide.Exeunt
SCENEFIVE
TheSenate-House.
TheSenatesitting
FIRSTSENATOR.Mylord,youhavemyvoicetoit;the
fault’s
Bloody;’tisnecessaryheshoulddie;
Nothingemboldenssinsomuchasmercy.
SECONDSENATOR.Mosttrue;thelawshallbruisehim.
EnterAlcibiades,attended
ALCIBIADES.Honour,health,andcompassiontothesenate!
FIRSTSENATOR.Now,captain.
ALCIBIADES.Iamahumblesuitortoyourvirtues;
Forpityisthevirtueofthelaw,
Andnonebuttyrantsuseitcruelly.
Itpleasestimeandfortunetolieheavy
Uponafriendofmine,who,inhotblood,
Hathstepp’dintothelaw,whichispastdepth
Tothosethatwithoutheeddoplungeinto’t.
Heisaman,settinghisfateaside,
Ofcomelyvirtues;
Nordidhesoilthefactwithcowardice,—
Anhonourinhimwhichbuysouthisfault,—
But,withanoblefuryandfairspirit,
Seeinghisreputationtouch’dtodeath,
Hedidopposehisfoe;
Andwithsuchsoberandunnotedpassion
Hedidbehavehisanger,ere’twasspent,
Asifhehadbutprov’danargument.
FIRSTSENATOR.Youundergotoostrictaparadox,
Strivingtomakeanuglydeedlookfair:
Yourwordshavetooksuchpainsasiftheylabour ’d
Tobringmanslaughterintoform,andsetquarrelling
Upontheheadofvalour;whichindeed
Isvalourmisbegot,andcameintotheworld
Whensectsandfactionswerenewlyborn.
He’strulyvaliantthatcanwiselysuffer
Theworstthatmancanbreathe,andmakehiswrongs
Hisoutsides,towearthemlikehisraiment,carelessly,
Andne’erpreferhisinjuriestohisheart,
Tobringitintodanger.
Ifwrongsbeevilsandenforceuskill,
Whatfolly’tistohazardlifeforill!
ALCIBIADES.Mylord,—
FIRSTSENATOR.Youcannotmakegrosssinslookclear;
Torevengeisnovalour,buttobear.
ALCIBIADES.Mylords,then,underfavour,pardonme,
IfIspeaklikeacaptain.
Whydofondmenexposethemselvestobattle,
Andnotendureallthreats?sleepupon’t,
Andletthefoesquietlycuttheirthroats
Withoutrepugnancy?Iftherebe
Suchvalourinthebearing,whatmakewe
Abroad?whythen,womenaremorevaliant
Thatstayathome,ifbearingcarryit,
Andtheassmorecaptainthanthelion,thefelon
Loadenwithironswiserthanthejudge,
Ifwisdombeinsuffering.Omylords!
Asyouaregreat,bepitifullygood:
Whocannotcondemnrashnessincoldblood?
Tokill,Igrant,issin’sextremestgust;
But,indefence,bymercy,’tismostjust.
Tobeinangerisimpiety;
Butwhoismanthatisnotangry?
Weighbutthecrimewiththis.
SECONDSENATOR.Youbreatheinvain.
ALCIBIADES.Invain!hisservicedone
AtLacedæmonandByzantium
Wereasufficientbriberforhislife.
FIRSTSENATOR.What’sthat?
ALCIBIADES.Isay,mylords,hehasdonefairservice,
Andslaininfightmanyofyourenemies.
Howfullofvalourdidhebearhimself
Inthelastconflict,andmadeplenteouswounds!
SECONDSENATOR.Hehasmadetoomuchplentywith’em;
He’saswornrioter;hehasasinthatoften
Drownshimandtakeshisvalourprisoner;
Iftherewerenofoes,thatwereenough
Toovercomehim;inthatbeastlyfury
Hehasbeenknowntocommitoutrages
Andcherishfactions;’tisinferr ’dtous,
Hisdaysarefoulandhisdrinkdangerous.
FIRSTSENATOR.Hedies.
ALCIBIADES.Hardfate!hemighthavediedinwar.
Mylords,ifnotforanypartsinhim,—
Thoughhisrightarmmightpurchasehisowntime,
Andbeindebttonone,—yet,moretomoveyou,
Takemydesertstohis,andjoin’emboth;
And,forIknowyourreverendageslove
Security,I’llpawnmyvictories,all
Myhonourtoyou,uponhisgoodreturns.
Ifbythiscrimeheowesthelawhislife,
Why,letthewarreceive’tinvaliantgore;
Forlawisstrict,andwarisnothingmore.
FIRSTSENATOR.Weareforlaw;hedies:urgeitnomore,
Onheightofourdispleasure.Friend,orbrother
Heforfeitshisownbloodthatspillsanother.
ALCIBIADES.Mustitbeso?itmustnotbe.Mylords,
Idobeseechyou,knowme.
SECONDSENATOR.How!
ALCIBIADES.Callmetoyourremembrances.
THIRDSENATOR.What!
ALCIBIADES.Icannotthinkbutyouragehasforgotme;
ItcouldnotelsebeIshouldprovesobase,
Tosue,andbedeniedsuchcommongrace.
Mywoundsacheatyou.
FIRSTSENATOR.Doyoudareouranger?
’Tisinfewwords,butspaciousineffect;
Webanishtheeforever.
ALCIBIADES.Banishme!
Banishyourdotage;banishusury,
Thatmakesthesenateugly.
FIRSTSENATOR.If,aftertwodays’shine,Athenscontain
thee,
Attendourweightierjudgment.And,nottoswellour
spirit,
Heshallbeexecutedpresently.ExeuntSenators
ALCIBIADES.Nowthegodskeepyouoldenough;thatyou
maylive
Onlyinbone,thatnonemaylookonyou!
Iamworsethanmad:Ihavekeptbacktheirfoes,
Whiletheyhavetoldtheirmoneyandletout
Theircoinuponlargeinterest;Imyself
Richonlyinlargehurts:allthoseforthis?
Isthisthebalsamthattheusuringsenate
Poursintocaptains’wounds?Banishment!
Itcomesnotill;Ihatenottobebanish’d;
Itisacauseworthymyspleenandfury,
ThatImaystrikeatAthens.I’llcheerup
Mydiscontentedtroops,andlayforhearts.
’Tishonourwithmostlandstobeatodds;
Soldiersshouldbrookaslittlewrongsasgods.Exit
SCENESIX
ARoomofStateinTimon’sHouse.
Music.Tablessetout:Servantsattending.Enterdivers
Lords,Senators,andOthers,atseveraldoors.
FIRSTLORD.Thegoodtimeofdaytoyou,sir.
SECONDLORD.Ialsowishityou.Ithinkthishonourable
lorddidbuttryusthisotherday.
FIRSTLORD.Uponthatweremythoughtstiringwhenwe
encountered:Ihopeitisnotsolowwithhimashemade
itseeminthetrialofhisseveralfriends.
SECONDLORD.Itshouldnotbe,bythepersuasionofhis
newfeasting.
FIRSTLORD.Ishouldthinkso:hehathsentmeanearnest
inviting,whichmanymynearoccasionsdidurgemeto
putoff;buthehathconjuredmebeyondthem,andI
mustneedsappear.
SECONDLORD.InlikemannerwasIindebttomyimportu-
natebusiness,buthewouldnothearmyexcuse.Iam
sorry,whenhesenttoborrowofme,thatmyprovision
wasout.
FIRSTLORD.Iamsickofthatgrieftoo,asIunderstandhow
allthingsgo.
SECONDLORD.Everymanhere’sso.Whatwouldhehave
borrowedyou?
FIRSTLORD.Athousandpieces.
SECONDLORD.Athousandpieces!
FIRSTLORD.Whatofyou?
THIRDLORD.Hesenttome,sir,—Herehecomes.
EnterTimonandAttendants
TIMON .Withallmyheart,gentlemenboth;andhowfare
you?
FIRSTLORD.Everatthebest,hearingwellofyourlord-
ship.
SECONDLORD.Theswallowfollowsnotsummermorewill-
ingthanweyourlordship.
TIMON .(Aside)Normorewillinglyleaveswinter;such
summer-birdsaremen.Gentlemen,ourdinnerwillnot
recompensethislongstay:feastyourearswiththemusicawhile,iftheywillfaresoharshlyo’thetrumpet’s
sound;weshallto’tpresently.
FIRSTLORD.Ihopeitremainsnotunkindlywithyourlord-
shipthatIreturnedyouanemptymessenger.
TIMON .O!sir,letitnottroubleyou.
SECONDLORD.Mynoblelord,—
TIMON .Ah!mygoodfriend,whatcheer?
SECONDLORD.Mymosthonourablelord,Iame’ensickof
shame,thatwhenyourlordshipthisotherdaysenttome
Iwassounfortunateabeggar.
TIMON .Thinknoton’t,sir.
SECONDLORD.Ifyouhadsentbuttwohoursbefore,—
TIMON .Letitnotcumberyourbetterremembrance.(The
banquetbroughtin)Come,bringinalltogether.
SECONDLORD.Allcovereddishes!
FIRSTLORD.Royalcheer,Iwarrantyou.
THIRDLORD.Doubtnotthat,ifmoneyandtheseasoncan
yieldit.
FIRSTLORD.Howdoyou?What’sthenews?
THIRDLORD.Alcibiadesisbanished;hearyouofit?
FIRSTLORD.
SECONDLORD.
Alcibiadesbanished!
THIRDLORD.’Tisso,besureofit.
FIRSTLORD.How?how?
SECONDLORD.Iprayyou,uponwhat?
TIMON .Myworthyfriends,willyoudrawnear?
THIRDLORD.I’lltellyoumoreanon.Here’sanoblefeast
toward.
SECONDLORD.Thisistheoldmanstill.
THIRDLORD.Will’thold?will’thold?
SECONDLORD.Itdoes;buttimewill—andso—
THIRDLORD.Idoconceive.
TIMON .Eachmantohisstool,withthatspurashewould
tothelipofhismistress;yourdietshallbeinallplaces
alike.Makenotacityfeastofit,toletthemeatcoolere
wecanagreeuponthefirstplace:sit,sit.Thegodsrequireourthanks.—
Yougreatbenefactors,sprinkleoursocietywiththankfulness.Foryourowngifts,makeyourselvespraised:
butreservestilltogive,lestyourdeitiesbedespised.
Lendtoeachmanenough,thatoneneednotlendtoanother;for,wereyourgodheadstoborrowofmen,men
wouldforsakethegods.Makethemeatbebelovedmore
thanthemanthatgivesit.Letnoassemblyoftwentybe
withoutascoreofvillains:iftheresittwelvewomenat
thetable,letadozenofthembeastheyare.Therestof
yourfees,Ogods!thesenatorsofAthens,togetherwith
thecommonlagofpeople,whatisamissinthem,you
gods,makesuitablefordestruction.Forthesemypresent
friends,astheyaretomenothing,soinnothingbless
them,andtonothingaretheywelcome.
Uncover,dogs,andlap.
Thedishesuncoveredarefullofwarmwater.
SOMESPEAK.Whatdoeshislordshipmean?
SOMEOTHER.Iknownot.
TIMON .Mayyouabetterfeastneverbehold,
Youknotofmouth-friends!smokeandlukewarmwater
Isyourperfection.ThisisTimon’slast;
Who,stuckandspangledwithyourflatteries,
Washesitoff,andsprinklesinyourfaces
Throwingthewaterintheirfaces
Yourreekingvillany.Liveloath’d,andlong,
Mostsmiling,smooth,detestedparasites,
Courteousdestroyers,affablewolves,meekbears,
Youfoolsoffortune,trencher-friends,time’sflies,
Capandkneeslaves,vapours,andminute-jacks!
Ofmanandbeasttheinfinitemalady
Crustyouquiteo’er!What!dostthougo?
Soft!takethyphysicfirst,—thoutoo,—andthou;—
Stay,Iwilllendtheemoney,borrownone.
Throwsthedishesatthem
What!allinmotion?Henceforthbenofeast,
Whereatavillain’snotawelcomeguest.
Burn,house!sink,Athens!henceforthhatedbe
OfTimonmanandallhumanity!Exit
Re-entertheLords,Senators,&c.
FIRSTLORD.Hownow,mylords!
SECONDLORD.KnowyouthequalityofLordTimon’sfury?
THIRDLORD.Push!didyouseemycap?
FOURTHLORD.Ihavelostmygown.
FIRSTLORD.He’sbutamadlord,andnoughtbuthumour
swayshim.Hegavemeajewelth’otherday,andnow
hehasbeatitoutofmyhat:didyouseemyjewel?
THIRDLORD.Didyouseemycap?
SECONDLORD.Here’tis.
FOURTHLORD.Hereliesmygown.
FIRSTLORD.Let’smakenostay.
SECONDLORD.LordTimon’smad.
THIRDLORD.Ifeel’tuponmybones.
FOURTHLORD.Onedayhegivesusdiamonds,nextday
stones.Exeunt
ACTFOUR
SCENEONE
WithouttheWallsofAthens.
EnterTimon
TIMON .Letmelookbackuponthee.Othouwall,
Thatgirdlestinthosewolves,diveintheearth,
AndfencenotAthens!Matrons,turnincontinent!
Obediencefailinchildren!slavesandfools,
Pluckthegravewrinkledsenatefromthebench,
Andministerintheirsteads!Togeneralfilths
Convert,o’theinstant,greenvirginity!
Do’tinyourparents’eyes!Bankrupts,holdfast;
Ratherthanrenderback,outwithyourknives,
Andcutyourtrusters’throats!Boundservants,steal!—
Large-handedrobbersyourgravemastersare,
Andpillbylaw.Maid,tothymaster ’sbed;
Thymistressiso’thebrothel!Sonofsixteen,
Pluckthelin’dcrutchfromthyoldlimpingsire,
Withitbeatouthisbrains!Piety,andfear,
Religiontothegods,peace,justice,truth,
Domesticawe,night-restandneighbourhood,
Instruction,manners,mysteriesandtrades,
Degrees,observances,customsandlaws,
Declinetoyourconfoundingcontraries,
Andletconfusionlive!Plaguesincidenttomen,
Yourpotentandinfectiousfeversheap
OnAthens,ripeforstroke!Thoucoldsciatica,
Crippleoursenators,thattheirlimbsmayhalt
Aslamelyastheirmanners!Lustandliberty
Creepinthemindsandmarrowsofouryouth,
That’gainstthestreamofvirtuetheymaystrive,
Anddrownthemselvesinriot!Itches,blains,
SowalltheAthenianbosoms,andtheircrop
Begeneralleprosy!Breathinfectbreath,
Thattheirsociety,astheirfriendship,may
Bemerelypoison!NothingI’llbearfromthee
Butnakedness,thoudetestabletown!
Takethouthattoo,withmultiplyingbans!
Timonwilltothewoods;whereheshallfind
Theunkindestbeastmorekinderthanmankind.
Thegodsconfound—hearme,yougoodgodsall—
TheAtheniansbothwithinandoutthatwall!
Andgrant,asTimongrows,hishatemaygrow
Tothewholeraceofmankind,highandlow!
Amen.Exit
SCENETWO
Athens.ARoominTimon’sHouse.
EnterFlavius,withtwoorthreeServants
FIRSTSERVANT.Hearyou,Mastersteward!where’sour
master?
Areweundone?castoff?nothingremaining?
FLAVIUS.Alack!myfellows,whatshouldIsaytoyou?
Letmeberecordedbytherighteousgods,
Iamaspoorasyou.
FIRSTSERVANT.Suchahousebroke!
Sonobleamasterfall’n!Allgone!andnot
Onefriendtotakehisfortunebythearm,
Andgoalongwithhim!
SECONDSERVANT.Aswedoturnourbacks
Fromourcompanionthrownintohisgrave,
Sohisfamiliarstohisburiedfortunes
Slinkallaway,leavetheirfalsevowswithhim,
Likeemptypursespick’d;andhispoorself,
Adedicatedbeggartotheair,
Withhisdiseaseofall-shunn’dpoverty,
Walks,likecontempt,alone.Moreofourfellows.
EnterotherServants
FLAVIUS.Allbrokenimplementsofaruin’dhouse.
THIRDSERVANT.YetdoourheartswearTimon’slivery,
ThatseeIbyourfaces;wearefellowsstill,
Servingalikeinsorrow.Leak’disourbark,
Andwe,poormates,standonthedyingdeck,
Hearingthesurgesthreat:wemustallpart
Intotheseaofair.
FLAVIUS.Goodfellowsall,
ThelatestofmywealthI’llshareamongstyou.
Whereverweshallmeet,forTimon’ssake
Let’syetbefellows;let’sshakeourheads,andsay,
As’twereaknelluntoourmaster ’sfortunes,
‘Wehaveseenbetterdays.’Leteachtakesome;
Givingthemmoney
Nay,putoutallyourhands.Notonewordmore:
Thuspartwerichinsorrow,partingpoor.
Theyembrace,andpartseveralways
O!thefiercewretchednessthatglorybringsus.
Whowouldnotwishtobefromwealthexempt,
Sincerichespointtomiseryandcontempt?
Whowouldbesomock’dwithglory?orsolive,
Butinadreamoffriendship?
Tohavehispompandallwhatstatecompounds
Butonlypainted,likehisvarnish’dfriends?
Poorhonestlord!broughtlowbyhisownheart,
Undonebygoodness.Strange,unusualblood,
Whenman’sworstsinis,hedoestoomuchgood!
Whothendarestobehalfsokindagen?
Forbounty,thatmakesgods,doesstillmarmen.
Mydearestlord,bless’d,tobemostaccurs’d,
Rich,onlytobewretched,thygreatfortunes
Aremadethychiefafflictions.Alas!kindlord,
He’sflunginragefromthisingratefulseat
Ofmonstrousfriends;
Norhashewithhimtosupplyhislife,
Orthatwhichcancommandit.
I’llfollowandinquirehimout:
I’lleverservehismindwithmybestwill;
WhilstIhavegoldI’llbehisstewardstill.Exit
SCENETHREE
WoodsandCaveneartheSea-shore.
EnterTimonfromtheCave
TIMON .Oblessedbreedingsun!drawfromtheearth
Rottenhumidity;belowthysister ’sorb
Infecttheair!Twinn’dbrothersofonewomb,
Whoseprocreation,residenceandbirth,
Scarceisdividant,touchthemwithseveralfortunes;
Thegreaterscornsthelesser:notnature,
Towhomallsoreslaysiege,canbeargreatfortune,
Butbycontemptofnature.
Raisemethisbeggar,anddeny’tthatlord;
Thesenatorshallbearcontempthereditary,
Thebeggarnativehonour.
Itisthepasturelardstherother ’ssides,
Thewantthatmakeshimlean.Whodares,whodares,
Inpurityofmanhoodstandupright,
Andsay,‘Thisman’saflatterer ’?ifonebe,
Soaretheyall;foreverygrizeoffortune
Issmooth’dbythatbelow:thelearnedpate
Duckstothegoldenfool:allisoblique;
There’snothinglevelinourcursednatures
Butdirectvillany.Therefore,beabhorr ’d
Allfeasts,societies,andthrongsofmen!
Hissemblable,yea,himself,Timondisdains:
Destructionfangmankind!Earth,yieldmeroots!
Digging
Whoseeksforbetterofthee,saucehispalate
Withthymostoperantpoison!Whatishere?
Gold!yellow,glittering,preciousgold!No,gods,
Iamnoidlevotarist.Roots,youclearheavens!
Thusmuchofthiswillmakeblackwhite,foulfair,
Wrongright,basenoble,oldyoung,cowardvaliant.
Ha!yougods,whythis?Whatthis,yougods?Why,this
Willlugyourpriestsandservantsfromyoursides,
Pluckstoutmen’spillowsfrombelowtheirhead:
Thisyellowslave
Willknitandbreakreligions;blesstheaccurs’d;
Makethehoarleprosyador ’d;placethieves,
Andgivethemtitle,knee,andapprobation,
Withsenatorsonthebench;thisisit
Thatmakesthewappen’dwidowwedagain;
She,whomthespital-houseandulceroussores
Wouldcastthegorgeat,thisembalmsandspices
TotheAprildayagain.Come,damnedearth,
Thoucommonwhoreofmankind,thatputt’stodds
Amongtheroutofnations,Iwillmakethee
Dothyrightnature.—(Marchafaroff)Ha!adrum?
thou’rtquick,
ButyetI’llburythee:thou’ltgo,strongthief,
Whengoutykeepersoftheecannotstand:
Nay,staythououtforearnest.Keepingsomegold
EnterAlcibiades,withdrumandfife,inwarlike
manner;PhryniaandTimandra
ALCIBIADES.Whatarethouthere?speak.
TIMON .Abeast,asthouart.Thecankergnawthyheart
Forshowingmeagaintheeyesofman!
ALCIBIADES.Whatisthyname?Ismansohatefultothee,
Thatartthyselfaman?
TIMON .IamMisanthropos,andhatemankind.
Forthypart,Idowishthouwertadog,
ThatImightlovetheesomething.
ALCIBIADES.Iknowtheewell,
Butinthyfortunesamunlearn’dandstrange.
TIMON .Iknowtheetoo;andmorethanthatIknowthee
Inotdesiretoknow.Followthydrum;
Withman’sbloodpainttheground,gules,gules;
Religiouscanons,civillawsarecruel;
Thenwhatshouldwarbe?Thisfellwhoreofthine
Hathinhermoredestructionthanthysword,
Forallhercherubinlook.
PHRYNIA.Thylipsrotoff!
TIMON .Iwillnotkissthee;thentherotreturns
Tothineownlipsagain.
ALCIBIADES.HowcamethenobleTimontothischange?
TIMON .Asthemoondoes,bywantinglighttogive:
ButthenrenewIcouldnotlikethemoon;
Therewerenosunstoborrowof.
ALCIBIADES.NobleTimon,whatfriendshipmayIdothee?
TIMON .None,buttomaintainmyopinion.
ALCIBIADES.Whatisit,Timon?
TIMON .Promisemefriendship,butperformnone:ifthou
wiltnotpromise,thegodsplaguethee,forthouarta
man!ifthoudostperform,confoundthee,forthouarta
man!
ALCIBIADES.Ihaveheardinsomesortofthymiseries.
TIMON .Thousaw’stthem,whenIhadprosperity.
ALCIBIADES.Iseethemnow!thenwasablessedtime.
TIMON .Asthineisnow,heldwithabraceofharlots.
TIMANDRA.IsthistheAthenianminion,whomtheworld
Voic’dsoregardfully?
TIMON .ArtthouTimandra?
TIMANDRA.Yes.
TIMON .Beawhorestill;theylovetheenotthatusethee;
Givethemdiseases,leavingwiththeetheirlust.
Makeuseofthysalthours;seasontheslaves
Fortubsandbaths;bringdownrose-checkedyouth
Tothetub-fastandthediet.
TIMANDRA.Hangthee,monster!
ALCIBIADES.Pardonhim,sweetTimandra,forhiswits
Aredrown’dandlostinhiscalamities.
Ihavebutlittlegoldoflate,braveTimon,
Thewantwhereofdothdailymakerevolt
Inmypenuriousband:Ihaveheardandgriev’d
HowcursedAthens,mindlessofthyworth,
Forgettingthygreatdeeds,whenneighbourstates,
Butforthyswordandfortune,troduponthem,—
TIMON .Iprithee,beatthydrum,andgettheegone.
ALCIBIADES.Iamthyfriend,andpitythee,dearTimon.
TIMON .Howdostthoupityhimwhomthoudosttrouble?
Ihadratherbealone.
ALCIBIADES.Why,faretheewell:
Hereissomegoldforthee.
TIMON .Keepit,Icannoteatit.
ALCIBIADES.WhenIhavelaidproudAthensonaheap,—
TIMON .Warr ’stthou’gainstAthens?
ALCIBIADES.Ay,Timon,andhavecause.
TIMON .Thegodsconfoundthemallinthyconquest;and
Theeafter,whenthouhastconquer ’d!
ALCIBIADES.Whyme,Timon?
TIMON .That,bykillingofvillains,thouwastborntocon-
quer
Mycountry.
Putupthygold:goon,—here’sgold,—goon;
Beasaplanetaryplague,whenJove
Willo’ersomehigh-vic’dcityhanghispoison
Inthesickair:letnotthyswordskipone.
Pitynothonour ’dageforhiswhitebeard;
Heisausurer.Strikemethecounterfeitmatron;
Itisherhabitonlythatishonest,
Herself’sabawd.Letnotthevirgin’scheek
Makesoftthytrenchantsword;forthosemilk-paps,
Thatthroughthewindow-barsboreatmen’seyes,
Arenotwithintheleafofpitywrit,
Butsetthemdownhorribletraitors.Sparenotthebabe,
Whosedimpledsmilesfromfoolsexhausttheirmercy;
Thinkitabastard,whomtheoracle
Hathdoubtfullypronounc’dthythroatshallcut,
Andminceitsansremorse.Swearagainstobjects;
Putarmouronthineearsandonthineeyes,
Whoseproofnoryellsofmothers,maids,norbabes,
Norsightofpriestsinholyvestmentsbleeding,
Shallpierceajot.There’sgoldtopaythysoldiers:
Makelargeconfusion;and,thyfuryspent,
Confoundedbethyself!Speaknot,begone.
ALCIBIADES.Hastthougoldyet?I’lltakethegoldthou
giv’stme,
Notallthycounsel.
TIMON .Dostthou,ordostthounot,heaven’scurseupon
thee!
PHRYNIA.
Giveussomegold,goodTimon:hastthou
TIMANDRA. more?
TIMON .Enoughtomakeawhoreforswearhertrade,
Andtomakewhoresabawd.Holdup,yousluts,
Yourapronsmountant:youarenotoathable,
Although,Iknow,you’llswear,terriblyswear
Intostrongshuddersandtoheavenlyagues
Theimmortalgodsthathearyou,spareyouroaths,
I’lltrusttoyourconditions:bewhoresstill;
Andhewhosepiousbreathseekstoconvertyou,
Bestronginwhore,allurehim,burnhimup;
Letyourclosefirepredominatehissmoke,
Andbenoturncoats:yetmayyourpains,sixmonths,
Bequitecontrary:andthatchyourpoorthinroofs
Withburdensofthedead;somethatwerehang’d,
Nomatter;wearthem,betraywiththem:whorestill;
Painttillahorsemaymireuponyourface:
Apoxofwrinkles!
PHRYNIA.
TIMANDRA.
Well,moregold.Whatthen?
Believe’t,thatwe’lldoanythingforgold.
TIMON .Consumptionssow
Inhollowbonesofman;striketheirsharpshins,
Andmarmen’sspurring.Crackthelawyer ’svoice,
Thathemaynevermorefalsetitleplead,
Norsoundhisquilletsshrilly:hoartheflamen,
Thatscoldsagainstthequalityofflesh,
Andnotbelieveshimself:downwiththenose,
Downwithitflat;takethebridgequiteaway
Ofhimthat,hisparticulartoforesee,
Smellsfromthegeneralweal:makecurl’d-pateruffians
bald,
Andlettheunscarr ’dbraggartsofthewar
Derivesomepainfromyou:plagueall,
Thatyouractivitymaydefeatandquell
Thesourceofallerection.There’smoregold;
Doyoudamnothers,andletthisdamnyou,
Andditchesgraveyouall!
PHRYNIA.
Morecounselwithmoremoney,bounteous
TIMANDRA. Timon.
TIMON .Morewhore,moremischieffirst;Ihavegivenyou
earnest.
ALCIBIADES.StrikeupthedrumtowardsAthens!Farewell,
Timon:
}
IfIthrivewell,I’llvisittheeagain.
TIMON .IfIhopewell,I’llneverseetheemore.
ALCIBIADES.Ineverdidtheeharm.
TIMON .Yes,thouspok’stwellofme.
ALCIBIADES.Call’stthouthatharm?
TIMON .Mendailyfindit.Gettheeaway,andtake
Thybeagleswiththee.
ALCIBIADES.Webutoffendhim.Strike!
Drumbeats.ExeuntAlcibiades,Phrynia,andTimandra
TIMON .Thatnature,beingsickofman’sunkindness,
Shouldyetbehungry!Commonmother,thou,Digging
Whosewombunmeasurable,andinfinitebreast,
Teems,andfeedsall;whoseself-samemettle,
Whereofthyproudchild,arrogantman,ispuff’d,
Engenderstheblacktoadandadderblue,
Thegildednewtandeyelessvenom’dworm,
Withalltheabhorredbirthsbelowcrispheaven
WhereonHyperion’squickeningfiredothshine;
Yieldhim,whoallthyhumansonsdothhate,
Fromforththyplenteousbosom,onepoorroot!
Ensearthyfertileandconceptiouswomb,
Letitnomorebringoutingratefulman!
Gogreatwithtigers,dragons,wolves,andbears;
Teemwithnewmonsters,whomthyupwardface
Hathtothemarbledmansionallabove
Neverpresented!O!aroot;dearthanks:
Dryupthymarrows,vinesandplough-tornleas;
Whereofungratefulman,withliquorishdraughts
Andmorselsunctuous,greaseshispuremind,
Thatfromitallconsiderationslips!
EnterApemantus
Moreman!Plague!plague!
APEMANTUS.Iwasdirectedhither:menreport
Thoudostaffectmymanners,anddostusethem.
TIMON .’Tis,then,becausethoudostnotkeepadog
WhomIwouldimitate:consumptioncatchthee!
APEMANTUS.Thisisintheeanaturebutinfected;
Apoorunmanlymelancholysprung
Fromchangeoffortune.Whythisspade?thisplace?
Thisslave-likehabit?andtheselooksofcare?
Thyflatterersyetwearsilk,drinkwine,liesoft,
Hugtheirdiseas’dperfumes,andhaveforgot
ThateverTimonwas.Shamenotthesewoods
Byputtingonthecunningofacarper.
Bethouaflatterernow,andseektothrive
Bythatwhichhasundonethee:hingethyknee,
Andlethisverybreath,whomthou’ltobserve,
Blowoffthycap;praisehismostviciousstrain,
Andcallitexcellent.Thouwasttoldthus;
Thougav’stthineears,liketapstersthatbidwelcome,
Toknavesandallapproachers:’tismostjust
Thatthouturnrascal;hadstthouwealthagain,
Rascalsshouldhave’t.Donotassumemylikeness.
TIMON .WereIliketheeI’dthrowawaymyself.
APEMANTUS.Thouhastcastawaythyself,beinglikethyself:
Amadmansolong,nowafool.What!think’st
Thatthebleakair,thyboisterouschamberlain,
Willputthyshirtonwarm?willthesemoss’dtrees,
Thathaveoutliv’dtheeagle,pagethyheels
Andskipwhenthoupoint’stout?willthecoldbrook,
Candiedwithice,caudlethymorningtaste
Tocuretheo’er-nightsurfeit?Callthecreatures
Whosenakednaturesliveinallthespite
Ofwreakfulheaven,whosebareunhousedtrunks
Totheconflictingelementsexpos’d,
Answermerenature;bidthemflatterthee;
O!thoushaltfind—
TIMON .Afoolofthee.Depart.
APEMANTUS.Ilovetheebetternowthane’erIdid.
TIMON .Ihatetheworse.
APEMANTUS.Why?
TIMON .Thouflatter ’stmisery.
APEMANTUS.Iflatternot,butsaythouartacaitiff.
TIMON .Whydostthouseekmeout?
APEMANTUS.Tovexthee.
TIMON .Alwaysavillain’soffice,orafool’s.
Dostpleasethyselfin’t?
APEMANTUS.Ay.
TIMON .What!aknavetoo?
APEMANTUS.Ifthoudidstputthissour-coldhabiton
Tocastigatethypride,’twerewell;butthou
Dostitenforcedly:thou’dstcourtierbeagain
Wertthounotbeggar.Willingmisery
Outlivesincertainpomp,iscrown’dbefore;
Theoneisfillingstill,nevercomplete;
Theother,athighwish:beststate,contentless,
Hathadistractedandmostwretchedbeing,
Worsethantheworst,content.
Thoushouldstdesiretodie,beingmiserable.
TIMON .Notbyhisbreaththatismoremiserable.
Thouartaslave,whomFortune’stenderarm
Withfavourneverclasp’d,butbredadog.
Hadstthou,likeusfromourfirstswath,proceeded
Thesweetdegreesthatthisbriefworldaffords
Tosuchasmaythepassivedrudgesofit
Freelycommand,thouwouldsthaveplung’dthyself
Ingeneralriot;melteddownthyyouth
Indifferentbedsoflust;andneverlearn’d
Theicypreceptsofrespect,butfollow’d
Thesugar ’dgamebeforethee.Butmyself,
Whohadtheworldasmyconfectionary,
Themouths,thetongues,theeyes,andheartsofmen
Atduty,morethanIcouldframeemployment,
Thatnumberlessuponmestuckasleaves
Doontheoak,havewithonewinter ’sbrush
Fellfromtheirboughsandleftmeopen,bare
Foreverystormthatblows;I,tobearthis,
Thatneverknewbutbetter,issomeburden:
Thynaturedidcommenceinsufferance,time
Hathmadetheehardin’t.Whyshouldstthouhatemen?
Theyneverflatter ’dthee:whathastthougiven?
Ifthouwiltcurse,thyfather,thatpoorrag,
Mustbethysubject,whoinspiteputstuff
Tosomeshebeggarandcompoundedthee
Poorroguehereditary.Hence!begone!
Ifthouhadstnotbeenborntheworstofmen,
Thouhadstbeenaknaveandflatterer.
APEMANTUS.Artthouproudyet?
TIMON .Ay,thatIamnotthee.
APEMANTUS.I,thatIwas
Noprodigal.
TIMON .I,thatIamonenow:
WereallthewealthIhaveshutupinthee,
I’dgivetheeleavetohangit.Gettheegone.
ThatthewholelifeofAthenswereinthis!
ThuswouldIeatit.Eatingaroot
APEMANTUS.Here;Iwillmendthyfeast.
TIMON .Firstmendmycompany,takeawaythyself.
APEMANTUS.SoIshallmendmineown,bythelackof
thine.
TIMON .’Tisnotwellmendedso,itisbutbotch’d;
Ifnot,Iwoulditwere.
APEMANTUS.WhatwouldstthouhavetoAthens?
TIMON .Theethitherinawhirlwind.Ifthouwilt,
TellthemthereIhavegold;look,soIhave.
APEMANTUS.Hereisnouseforgold.
TIMON .Thebestandtruest;
Forhereitsleeps,anddoesnotiredharm.
APEMANTUS.Whereliesto’nights,Timon?
TIMON .Underthat’saboveme.
Wherefeed’stthouo’days,Apemantus?
APEMANTUS.Wheremystomachfindsmeat;or,rather,
whereIeatit.
TIMON .Wouldpoisonwereobedientandknewmymind!
APEMANTUS.Wherewouldstthousendit?
TIMON .Tosaucethydishes.
APEMANTUS.Themiddleofhumanitythouneverknewest,
buttheextremityofbothends.Whenthouwastinthygiltandthy
perfume,theymockedtheefortoomuch
curiosity;inthyragsthouknowestnone,butartdespised
forthecontrary.There’samedlarforthee;eatit.
TIMON .OnwhatIhateIfeednot.
APEMANTUS.Dosthateamedlar?
TIMON .Ay,thoughitlooklikethee.
APEMANTUS.Anthouhadsthatedmeddlerssooner,thou
shouldsthavelovedthyselfbetternow.Whatmandidst
thoueverknowunthriftthatwasbelovedafterhismeans?
TIMON .Who,withoutthosemeansthoutalkestof,didst
thoueverknowbeloved?
APEMANTUS.Myself.
TIMON .Iunderstandthee;thouhadstsomemeanstokeep
adog.
APEMANTUS.Whatthingsintheworldcanstthounearest
comparetothyflatterers?
TIMON .Womennearest;butmen,menarethethings
themselves.Whatwouldstthoudowiththeworld,Apemantus,ifitlayinthypower?
APEMANTUS.Giveitthebeasts,toberidofthemen.
TIMON .Wouldstthouhavethyselffallintheconfusionof
men,andremainabeastwiththebeasts?
APEMANTUS.Ay,Timon.
TIMON .Abeastlyambition,whichthegodsgranttheeto
attainto.Ifthouwertthelion,thefoxwouldbeguile
thee;ifthouwertthelamb,thefoxwouldeatthee;if
thouwertthefox,thelionwouldsuspectthee,whenperadventurethouwertaccusedbytheass;ifthouwertthe
ass,thydulnesswouldtormentthee,andstillthoulivedst
butasabreakfasttothewolf;ifthouwertthewolf,thy
greedinesswouldafflictthee,andoftthoushouldsthazardthylifeforthydinner;wertthoutheunicorn,pride
andwrathwouldconfoundtheeandmakethineownself
theconquestofthyfury;wertthouabear,thouwouldst
bekilledbythehorse;wertthouahorse,thouwouldst
beseizedbytheleopard;wertthoualeopard,thouwert
germantothelion,andthespotsofthykindredwere
jurorsonthylife;allthysafetywereremotion,andthy
defenceabsence.Whatbeastcouldstthoube,thatwere
notsubjecttoabeast?andwhatabeastartthoualready,
thatseestnotthylossintransformation!
APEMANTUS.Ifthoucouldstpleasemewithspeakingto
me,thoumightsthavehitituponithere;thecommonwealthofAthensisbecomeaforestofbeasts.
TIMON .Howhastheassbrokethewall,thatthouartout
ofthecity?
APEMANTUS.Yondercomesapoetandapainter:the
plagueofcompanylightuponthee!Iwillfeartocatch
it,andgiveway.WhenIknownotwhatelsetodo,I’ll
seetheeagain.
TIMON .Whenthereisnothinglivingbutthee,thoushalt
bewelcome.Ihadratherbeabeggar ’sdogthanApemantus.
APEMANTUS.Thouartthecapofallthefoolsalive.
TIMON .Wouldthouwertcleanenoughtospitupon!
APEMANTUS.Aplagueonthee!thouarttoobadtocurse!
TIMON .Allvillainsthatdostandbytheearepure.
APEMANTUS.Thereisnoleprosybutwhatthouspeak’st.
TIMON .IfInamethee.
I’llbeatthee,butIshouldinfectmyhands.
APEMANTUS.Iwouldmytonguecouldrotthemoff!
TIMON .Away,thouissueofamangydog!
Cholerdoeskillmethatthouartalive;
Iswoundtoseethee.
APEMANTUS.Wouldthouwouldstburst!
TIMON .Away,
Thoutediousrogue!IamsorryIshalllose
Astonebythee.Throwsastoneathim
APEMANTUS.Beast!
TIMON .Slave!
APEMANTUS.Toad!
TIMON .Rogue,rogue,rogue!
Iamsickofthisfalseworld,andwilllovenought
Buteventhemerenecessitiesupon’t.
Then,Timon,presentlypreparethygrave;
Liewherethelightfoamoftheseamaybeat
Thygrave-stonedaily:makethineepitaph,
Thatdeathinmeatothers’livesmaylaugh.
Lookingonthegold
Othousweetking-killer,anddeardivorce
’Twixtnaturalsonandsire!thoubrightdefiler
OfHymen’spurestbed!thouMars!
Thoueveryoung,fresh,lov’d,anddelicatewooer,
Whoseblushdoththawtheconsecratedsnow
ThatliesonDian’slap!thouvisiblegod,
Thatsolder ’stcloseimpossibilities,
Andmak’stthemkiss!thatspeak’stwitheverytongue,
Toeverypurpose!Othoutouchofhearts!
Think,thyslavemanrebels,andbythyvirtue
Setthemintoconfoundingodds,thatbeasts
Mayhavetheworldinempire.
APEMANTUS.Would’twereso:
ButnottillIamdead;I’llsaythou’stgold:
Thouwiltbethrong’dtoshortly.
TIMON .Throng’dto?
APEMANTUS.Ay.
TIMON .Thyback,Iprithee.
APEMANTUS.Live,andlovethymisery!
TIMON .Longliveso,andsodie!ExitApemantus
Iamquit.
Morethingslikemen!Eat,Timon,andabhorthem.
EnterThieves
FIRSTTHIEF.Whereshouldhehavethisgold?Itissome
poorfragment,someslenderortofhisremainder.The
merewantofgold,andthefalling-fromofhisfriends,
drovehimintothismelancholy.
SECONDTHIEF.Itisnoisedhehathamassoftreasure.
THIRDTHIEF.Letusmaketheassayuponhim:ifhecare
notfor’t,hewillsupplyuseasily;ifhecovetouslyreserveit,howshall’sgetit?
SECONDTHIEF.True;forhebearsitnotabouthim,’tishid.
FIRSTTHIEF.Isnotthishe?
THIEVES.Where?
SECONDTHIEF.’Tishisdescription.
THIRDTHIEF.He;Iknowhim.
ALL.Savethee,Timon.
TIMON .Now,thieves?
ALL.Soldiers,notthieves.
TIMON .Bothtoo;andwomen’ssons.
THIEVES.Wearenotthieves,butmenthatmuchdowant.
TIMON .Yourgreatestwantis,youwantmuchofmeat.
Whyshouldyouwant?Behold,theearthhathroots;
Withinthismilebreakforthahundredsprings;
Theoaksbearmast,thebriersscarlethips;
Thebounteoushousewife,nature,oneachbush
Laysherfullmessbeforeyou.Want!whywant?
FIRSTTHIEF.Wecannotliveongrass,onberries,water,
Asbeasts,andbirds,andfishes.
TIMON .Noronthebeaststhemselves,thebirds,andfishes;
Youmusteatmen.YetthanksImustyoucon
Thatyouarethievesprofess’d,thatyouworknot
Inholiershapes;forthereisboundlesstheft
Inlimitedprofessions.Rascalthieves,
Here’sgold.Go,suckthesubtlebloodo’thegrape,
Tillthehighfeverseetheyourbloodtofroth,
Andso’scapehanging;trustnotthephysician;
Hisantidotesarepoison,andheslays
Morethanyourob:takewealthandlivestogether;
Dovillany,do,sinceyouprotesttodo’t,
Likeworkmen.I’llexampleyouwiththievery:
Thesun’sathief,andwithhisgreatattraction
Robsthevastsea;themoon’sanarrantthief,
Andherpalefireshesnatchesfromthesun;
Thesea’sathief,whoseliquidsurgeresolves
Themoonintosalttears;theearth’sathief,
Thatfeedsandbreedsbyacomposturestolen
Fromgeneralexcrement;eachthing’sathief;
Thelaws,yourcurbandwhip,intheirroughpower
Haveuncheck’dtheft.Lovenotyourselves;away!
Roboneanother.There’smoregold:cutthroats;
Allthatyoumeetarethieves.ToAthensgo,
Breakopenshops;nothingcanyousteal
Butthievesdoloseit:stealnolessforthis
Igiveyou;andgoldconfoundyouhowsoe’er!
Amen.
THIRDTHIEF.Hehasalmostcharmedmefrommyprofes-
sion,bypersuadingmetoit.
FIRSTTHIEF.’Tisinthemaliceofmankindthathethusad-
visesus;nottohaveusthriveinourmystery.
SECONDTHIEF.I’llbelievehimasanenemy,andgiveover
mytrade.
FIRSTTHIEF.LetusfirstseepeaceinAthens;thereisno
timesomiserablebutamanmaybetrue.
ExeuntThieves
EnterFlavius
FLAVIUS.Oyougods!
Isyonddespisedandruinousmanmylord?
Fullofdecayandfailing?Omonument
Andwonderofgooddeedsevillybestow’d!
Whatanalterationofhonour
Hasdesperatewantmade!
Whatvilerthingupontheearththanfriends
Whocanbringnoblestmindstobasestends!
Howrarelydoesitmeetwiththistime’sguise,
Whenmanwaswish’dtolovehisenemies!
GrantImayeverlove,andratherwoo
Thosethatwouldmischiefmethanthosethatdo!
Hehathcaughtmeinhiseye:Iwillpresent
Myhonestgriefuntohim;and,asmylord,
Stillservehimwithmylife.Mydearestmaster!
Timoncomesforward
TIMON .Away!whatarethou?
FLAVIUS.Haveyouforgotme,sir?
TIMON .Whydostaskthat?Ihaveforgotallmen;
Then,ifthougrant’stthou’rtaman,Ihaveforgotthee.
FLAVIUS.Anhonestpoorservantofyours.
TIMON .ThenIknowtheenot:
Ineverhadanhonestmanaboutme;ay,all
Ikeptwereknaves,toserveinmeattovillains.
FLAVIUS.Thegodsarewitness,
Ne’erdidpoorstewardwearatruergrief
Forhisundonelordthanmineeyesforyou.
TIMON .What!dostthouweep?Comenearer.ThenIlove
thee,
Becausethouartawoman,anddisclaim’st
Flintymankind;whoseeyesdonevergive,
Butthoroughlustandlaughter.Pity’ssleeping:
Strangetimes,thatweepwithlaughing,notwithweeping!
FLAVIUS.Ibegofyoutoknowme,goodmylord,
Toacceptmygriefandwhilstthispoorwealthlasts
Toentertainmeasyourstewardstill.
TIMON .HadIasteward
Sotrue,sojust,andnowsocomfortable?
Italmostturnsmydangerousnaturemild.
Letmebeholdthyface.Surely,thisman
Wasbornofwoman.
Forgivemygeneralandexceptlessrashness,
Youperpetual-sobergods!Idoproclaim
Onehonestman,mistakemenot,butone;
Nomore,Ipray,andhe’sasteward.
HowfainwouldIhavehatedallmankind!
Andthouredeem’stthyself:butall,savethee,
Ifellwithcurses.
Methinksthouartmorehonestnowthanwise;
For,byoppressingandbetrayingme,
Thoumightsthavesoonergotanotherservice:
Formanysoarriveatsecondmasters
Upontheirfirstlord’sneck.Buttellmetrue,—
ForImusteverdoubt,thoughne’ersosure,—
Isnotthykindnesssubtle,covetous,
Ifnotausuringkindnessandasrichmendealgifts,
Expectinginreturntwentyforone?
FLAVIUS.No,mymostworthymaster;inwhosebreast
Doubtandsuspect,alas!areplac’dtoolate.
Youshouldhavefear ’dfalsetimeswhenyoudidfeast;
Suspectstillcomeswhenanestateisleast.
ThatwhichIshow,heavenknows,ismerelylove,
Dutyandzealtoyourunmatchedmind,
Careofyourfoodandliving;and,believeit
Mymosthonour ’dlord,
Foranybenefitthatpointstome,
Eitherinhope,orpresent,I’dexchange
Forthisonewish,thatyouhadpowerandwealth
Torequitemebymakingrichyourself.
TIMON .Lookthee,’tisso.Thousinglyhonestman,
Here,take:thegodsoutofmymisery,
Havesenttheetreasure.Go,liverichandhappy;
Butthuscondition’d:thoushaltbuildfrommen;
Hateall,curseall,showcharitytonone,
Butletthefamish’dfleshslidefromthebone,
Erethourelievethebeggar;givetodogs
Whatthoudeny’sttomen;letprisonsswallow’em,
Debtswither’emtonothing;bemenlikeblastedwoods,
Andmaydiseaseslickuptheirfalsebloods!
Andso,farewellandthrive.
FLAVIUS.O!letmestay
Andcomfortyou,mymaster.
TIMON .Ifthouhatest
Curses,staynot;fly,whilstthou’rtbless’dandfree:
Ne’erseethouman,andletmene’erseethee.
Exeunt,severally
ACTFIVE
SCENEONE
TheWoods.BeforeTimon’sCave.
EnterPoetandPainter.
PAINTER.AsItooknoteoftheplace,itcannotbefarwhere
heabides.
POET.What’stobethoughtofhim?Doestherumourhold
fortruethatheissofullofgold?
PAINTER.Certain:Alcibiadesreportsit;PhryniaandTi-
mandrahadgoldofhim:helikewiseenrichedpoor
stragglingsoldierswithgreatquantity.’Tissaidhegave
untohisstewardamightysum.
POET.Thenthisbreakingofhishasbeenbutatryforhis
friends.
PAINTER.Nothingelse;youshallseehimapalminAthens
again,andflourishwiththehighest.Therefore’tisnot
amisswetenderourlovestohim,inthissupposeddistressofhis:itwillshowhonestlyinus,andisverylikely
toloadourpurposeswithwhattheytravelfor,ifitbea
justandtruereportthatgoesofhishaving.
POET.Whathaveyounowtopresentuntohim?
PAINTER.Nothingatthistimebutmyvisitation;only,I
willpromisehimanexcellentpiece.
POET.Imustservehimsotoo;tellhimofanintentthat’s
comingtowardshim.
PAINTER.Goodasthebest.Promisingistheveryairo’the
time;itopenstheeyesofexpectation;performanceis
everthedullerforhisact;and,butintheplainerand
simplerkindofpeople,thedeedofsayingisquiteout
ofuse.Topromiseismostcourtlyandfashionable;performanceisakindofwillortestamentwhicharguesa
greatsicknessinhisjudgmentthatmakesit.
EnterTimonfromhiscave
TIMON .(Aside)Excellentworkman!Thoucanstnotpaint
amansobadasisthyself.
POET.IamthinkingwhatIshallsayIhaveprovidedfor
him:itmustbeapersonatingofhimself;asatireagainst
thesoftnessofprosperity,withadiscoveryoftheinfinite
flatteriesthatfollowyouthandopulency.
TIMON .(Aside)Mustthouneedsstandforavillainin
thineownwork?Wiltthouwhipthineownfaultsin
othermen?Doso,Ihavegoldforthee.
POET.Nay,let’sseekhim:
Thendowesinagainstourownestate,
Whenwemayprofitmeet,andcometoolate.
PAINTER.True;
Whenthedayserves,beforeblack-corner ’dnight,
Findwhatthouwant’stbyfreeandoffer ’dlight.
Come.
TIMON .(Aside)I’llmeetyouattheturn.Whatagod’sgold,
Thatheisworshipp’dinabasertemple
Thanwhereswinefeed!
’Tisthouthatrigg’stthebarkandplough’dthefoam,
Settlestadmiredreverenceinaslave:
Totheebeworship;andthysaintsforaye
Becrown’dwithplaguesthattheealoneobey.
FitImeetthem.Advancing
POET.Hail,worthyTimon!
PAINTER.Ourlatenoblemaster!
TIMON .HaveIonceliv’dtoseetwohonestmen?
POET.Sir,
Havingoftenofyouropenbountytasted,
Hearingyouwereretir ’d,yourfriendsfall’noff,
Whosethanklessnatures—Oabhorredspirits!
Notallthewhipsofheavenarelargeenough—
What!toyou,
Whosestar-likenoblenessgavelifeandinfluence
Totheirwholebeing!Iamrapt,andcannotcover
Themonstrousbulkofthisingratitude
Withanysizeofwords.
TIMON .Letitgonaked,menmaysee’tthebetter:
You,thatarehonest,bybeingwhatyouare,
Makethembestseenandknown.
PAINTER.Heandmyself
Havetravell’dinthegreatshowerofyourgifts,
Andsweetlyfeltit.
TIMON .Ay,youarehonestmen.
PAINTER.Wearehithercometoofferyouourservice.
TIMON .Mosthonestmen!Why,howshallIrequiteyou?
Canyoueatrootsanddrinkcoldwater?no.
BOTH.Whatwecando,we’lldo,todoyouservice.
TIMON .Ye’rehonestmen.Ye’veheardthatIhavegold;
Iamsureyouhave:speaktruth;ye’rehonestmen.
PAINTER.Soitissaid,mynoblelord;buttherefore
CamenotmyfriendnorI.
TIMON .Goodhonestmen!Thoudraw’stacounterfeit
BestinallAthens:thou’rt,indeed,thebest;
Thoucounterfeit’stmostlively.
PAINTER.So,so,mylord.
TIMON .E’enso,sir,asIsay.And,forthyfiction,
Why,thyverseswellswithstuffsofineandsmooth
Thatthouartevennaturalinthineart.
Butforallthis,myhonest-natur ’dfriends,
Imustneedssayyouhavealittlefault:
Marry,’tisnotmonstrousinyou,neitherwishI
Youtakemuchpainstomend.
BOTH.Beseechyourhonour
Tomakeitknowntous.
TIMON .You’lltakeitill.
BOTH.Mostthankfully,mylord.
TIMON .Willyouindeed?
BOTH.Doubtitnot,worthylord.
TIMON .There’sneveraoneofyoubuttrustsaknave,
Thatmightilydeceivesyou.
BOTH.Dowe,mylord?
TIMON .Ay,andyouhearhimcog,seehimdissemble,
Knowhisgrosspatchery,lovehim,feedhim,
Keepinyourbosom;yetremainassur ’d
Thathe’samade-upvillain.
PAINTER.Iknownonesuch,mylord.
POET.NorI.
TIMON .Lookyou,Iloveyouwell;I’llgiveyougold,
Ridmethesevillainsfromyourcompanies:
Hangthemorstabthem,drowntheminadraught,
Confoundthembysomecourse,andcometome,
I’llgiveyougoldenough.
BOTH.Namethem,mylord;let’sknowthem.
TIMON .Youthatwayandyouthis,buttwoincompany;
Eachmanapart,allsingleandalone,
Yetanarch-villainkeepshimcompany.
If,wherethouarttwovillainsshallnotbe,
Comenotnearhim.(TothePoet)Ifthouwouldnot
reside
Butwhereonevillainis,thenhimabandon.
Hence!pack!there’sgold;yecameforgold,yeslaves:
Youhavedoneworkforme,there’spayment:hence!
Youareanalchemist,makegoldofthat.
Out,rascaldogs!Beatsthemout
andthenreturnstohiscave
EnterFlaviusandtwoSenators
FLAVIUS.ItisinvainthatyouwouldspeakwithTimon;
Forheissetsoonlytohimself
Thatnothingbuthimself,whichlookslikeman,
Isfriendlywithhim.
FIRSTSENATOR.Bringustohiscave:
ItisourpartandpromisetotheAthenians
TospeakwithTimon.
SECONDSENATOR.Atalltimesalike
Menarenotstillthesame:’twastimeandgriefs
Thatfram’dhimthus:time,withhisfairerhand,
Offeringthefortunesofhisformerdays,
Theformermanmaymakehim.Bringustohim,
Andchanceitasitmay.
FLAVIUS.Hereishiscave.
Peaceandcontentbehere!LordTimon!Timon!
Lookout,andspeaktofriends.TheAthenians,
Bytwooftheirmostreverendsenate,greetthee:
Speaktothem,nobleTimon.
EnterTimon,fromhiscave
TIMON .Thousun,thatcomfort’st,burn!Speak,andbe
hang’d:
Foreachtrueword,ablister!andeachfalse
Beasacauterizingtotherooto’thetongue,
Consumingitwithspeaking!
FIRSTSENATOR.WorthyTimon,—
TIMON .Ofnonebutsuchasyou,andyouofTimon.
SECONDSENATOR.ThesenatorsofAthensgreetthee,Timon.
TIMON .Ithankthem;andwouldsendthembackthe
plague,
CouldIbutcatchitforthem.
FIRSTSENATOR.O!forget
Whatwearesorryforourselvesinthee.
Thesenatorswithoneconsentoflove
EntreattheebacktoAthens:whohavethought
Onspecialdignities,whichvacantlie
Forthybestuseandwearing.
SECONDSENATOR.Theyconfess
Towardtheeforgetfulnesstoogeneral,gross;
Whichnowthepublicbody,whichdothseldom
Playtherecanter,feelinginitself
AlackofTimon’said,hathsensewithal
Ofitsownfail,restrainingaidtoTimon;
Andsendforthus,tomaketheirsorrow’drender,
Togetherwitharecompensemorefruitful
Thantheiroffencecanweighdownbythedram;
Ay,evensuchheapsandsumsofloveandwealth
Asshalltotheeblockoutwhatwrongsweretheirs,
Andwriteintheethefiguresoftheirlove,
Evertoreadthemthine.
TIMON .Youwitchmeinit;
Surprisemetotheverybrinkoftears:
Lendmeafool’sheartandawoman’seyes,
AndI’llbeweepthesecomforts,worthysenators.
FIRSTSENATOR.Thereforesopleasetheetoreturnwithus,
AndofourAthens—thineandours—totake
Thecaptainship,thoushaltbemetwiththanks,
Allow’dwithabsolutepower,andthygoodname
Livewithauthority:sosoonweshalldriveback
OfAlcibiadestheapproacheswild;
Who,likeaboartoosavage,dothrootup
Hiscountry’speace.
SECONDSENATOR.Andshakeshisthreateningsword
AgainstthewallsofAthens.
FIRSTSENATOR.Therefore,Timon,—
TIMON .Well,sir,Iwill;therefore,Iwill,sir;thus:—
IfAlcibiadeskillmycountrymen,
LetAlcibiadesknowthisofTimon,
ThatTimoncaresnot.ButifhesackfairAthens,
Andtakeourgoodlyagedmenbythebeards,
Givingourholyvirginstothestain
Ofcontumelious,beastly,mad-brain’dwar;
Thenlethimknow,andtellhimTimonspeaksit,
Inpityofouragedandouryouth
Icannotchoosebuttellhim,thatIcarenot,
Andlethimtake’tatworst;fortheirknivescarenot
Whileyouhavethroatstoanswer:formyself,
There’snotawhittleintheunrulycamp
ButIdoprizeitatmylovebefore
Thereverend’stthroatinAthens.SoIleaveyou
Totheprotectionoftheprosperousgods,
Asthievestokeepers.
FLAVIUS.Staynot;all’sinvain.
TIMON .Why,Iwaswritingofmyepitaph;
Itwillbeseento-morrow.Mylongsickness
Ofhealthandlivingnowbeginstomend,
Andnothingbringsmeallthings.Go;livestill:
BeAlcibiadesyourplague,youhis,
Andlastsolongenough!
FIRSTSENATOR.Wespeakinvain.
TIMON .ButyetIlovemycountry,andamnot
Onethatrejoicesinthecommonwrack,
Ascommonbruitdothputit.
FIRSTSENATOR.That’swellspoke.
TIMON .Commendmetomylovingcountrymen,—
FIRSTSENATOR.Thesewordsbecomeyourlipsastheypass
throughthem.
SECONDSENATOR.Andenterinourearslikegreattriumphers
Intheirapplaudinggates.
TIMON .Commendmetothem;
Andtellthem,that,toeasethemoftheirgriefs,
Theirfearsofhostilestrokes,theiraches,losses,
Theirpangsoflove,withotherincidentthroes
Thatnature’sfragilevesseldothsustain
Inlife’suncertainvoyage,Iwillsomekindnessdothem:
I’llteachthemtopreventwildAlcibiades’wrath.
SECONDSENATOR.Ilikethiswell;hewillreturnagain.
TIMON .Ihaveatreewhichgrowshereinmyclose,
Thatmineownuseinvitesmetocutdown,
AndshortlymustIfellit:tellmyfriends,
TellAthens,inthesequenceofdegree,
Fromhightolowthroughout,thatwhosoplease
Tostopaffliction,lethimtakehishaste,
Comehither,eremytreehathfelttheaxe,
Andhanghimself.Iprayyou,domygreeting.
FLAVIUS.Troublehimnofurther;thusyoustillshallfind
him.
TIMON .Comenottomeagain;butsaytoAthens,
Timonhathmadehiseverlastingmansion
Uponthebeachedvergeofthesaltflood;
Whoonceadaywithhisembossedfroth
Theturbulentsurgeshallcover;thithercome,
Andletmygrave-stonebeyouroracle.
Lips,letsourwordsgobyandlanguageend:
Whatisamissplagueandinfectionmend!
Gravesonlybemen’sworksanddeaththeirgain!
Sun,hidethybeams!Timonhathdonehisreign.Exit
FIRSTSENATOR.Hisdiscontentsareunremovably
Coupledtonature.
SECONDSENATOR.Ourhopeinhimisdead:letusreturn,
Andstrainwhatothermeansisleftuntous
Inourdearperil.
FIRSTSENATOR.Itrequiresswiftfoot.Exeunt
SCENETWO
BeforetheWallsofAthens.
EntertwoSenatorsandaMessenger
FIRSTSENATOR.Thouhastpainfullydiscover ’d:arehisfiles
Asfullasthyreport?
MESSENGER.Ihavespoketheleast;
Besides,hisexpeditionpromises
Presentapproach.
SECONDSENATOR.Westandmuchhazardiftheybringnot
Timon.
MESSENGER.Imetacourier,onemineancientfriend,
Whom,thoughingeneralpartwewereoppos’d,
Yetouroldlovemadeaparticularforce,
Andmadeusspeaklikefriends:thismanwasriding
FromAlcibiadestoTimon’scave,
Withlettersofentreaty,whichimported
Hisfellowshipi’thecauseagainstyourcity,
Inpartforhissakemov’d.
FIRSTSENATOR.Herecomeourbrothers.
EnterSenatorsfromTimon
THIRDSENATOR.NotalkofTimon,nothingofhimexpect.
Theenemies’drumisheard,andfearfulscouring
Dothchoketheairwithdust.In,andprepare:
Oursisthefall,Ifear;ourfoesthesnare.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
TheWoods.Timon’sCave,andarudeTombseen.
EnteraSoldier,seekingTimon
SOLDIER.Byalldescriptionthisshouldbetheplace.
Who’shere?speak,ho!Noanswer!Whatisthis?
Timonisdead,whohathoutstretch’dhisspan:
Somebeastrear ’dthis;heredoesnotliveaman.
Dead,sure;andthishisgrave.What’sonthistomb
Icannotread;thecharacterI’lltakewithwax:
Ourcaptainhathineveryfigureskill;
Anag’dinterpreter,thoughyoungindays.
BeforeproudAthenshe’ssetdownbythis,
Whosefallthemarkofhisambitionis.Exit
SCENEFOUR
BeforetheWallsofAthens.
Trumpetssound.EnterAlcibiadeswithhisPowers
ALCIBIADES.Soundtothiscowardandlascivioustown
Ourterribleapproach.Aparleysounded
EnterSenators,ontheWalls
Tillnowyouhavegoneon,andfill’dthetime
Withalllicentiousmeasure,makingyourwills
Thescopeofjustice:tillnowmyselfandsuch
Assleptwithintheshadowofyourpower
Havewander ’dwithourtravers’darms,andbreath’d
Oursufferancevainly.Nowthetimeisflush,
Whencrouchingmarrow,inthebearerstrong,
Criesofitself,‘Nomore’:nowbreathlesswrong
Shallsitandpantinyourgreatchairsofease,
Andpursyinsolenceshallbreakhiswind
Withfearandhorridflight.
FIRSTSENATOR.Nobleandyoung,
Whenthyfirstgriefswerebutamereconceit,
Erethouhadstpowerorwehadcauseoffear,
Wesenttothee,togivethyragesbalm,
Towipeoutouringratitudewithloves
Abovetheirquantity.
SECONDSENATOR.Sodidwewoo
TransformedTimontoourcity’slove
Byhumblemessageandbypromis’dmeans:
Wewerenotallunkind,noralldeserve
Thecommonstrokeofwar.
FIRSTSENATOR.Thesewallsofours
Werenoterectedbytheirhandsfromwhom
Youhavereceiv’dyourgrief;noraretheysuch
Thatthesegreattowers,trophies,andschoolsshouldfall
Forprivatefaultsinthem.
SECONDSENATOR.Noraretheyliving
Whowerethemotivesthatyoufirstwentout;
Shamethattheywantedcunninginexcess
Hathbroketheirhearts.March,noblelord,
Intoourcitywiththybannersspread:
Bydecimation,andatitheddeath,—
Ifthyrevengeshungerforthatfood
Whichnatureloathes,—takethouthedestin’dtenth,
Andbythehazardofthespotteddie
Letdiethespotted.
FIRSTSENATOR.Allhavenotoffended;
Forthosethatwere,itisnotsquaretotake
Onthosethatare,revenges:crimes,likelands,
Arenotinherited.Then,dearcountryman,
Bringinthyranks,butleavewithoutthyrage:
SparethyAtheniancradle,andthosekin
Whichintheblusterofthywrathmustfall
Withthosethathaveoffended:likeashepherd,
Approachthefoldandcullth’infectedforth,
Butkillnotalltogether.
SECONDSENATOR.Whatthouwilt,
Thourathershaltenforceitwiththysmile
Thanhewto’twiththysword.
FIRSTSENATOR.Setbutthyfoot
Againstourrampir ’dgates,andtheyshallope,
Sothouwiltsendthygentleheartbefore,
Tosaythou’ltenterfriendly.
SECONDSENATOR.Throwthyglove,
Oranytokenofthinehonourelse,
Thatthouwiltusethewarsasthyredress
Andnotasourconfusion,allthypowers
Shallmaketheirharbourinourtown,tillwe
Haveseal’dthyfulldesire.
ALCIBIADES.Thenthere’smyglove;
Descend,andopenyourunchargedports:
ThoseenemiesofTimon’sandmineown
Whomyouyourselvesshallsetoutforreproof,
Fall,andnomore;and,toatoneyourfears
Withmymorenoblemeaning,notaman
Shallpasshisquarter,oroffendthestream
Ofregularjusticeinyourcity’sbounds,
Butshallberender ’dtoyourpubliclaws
Atheaviestanswer.
BOTH.’Tismostnoblyspoken.
ALCIBIADES.Descend,andkeepyourwords.
TheSenatorsdescend,andopenthegates
EnteraSoldier
SOLDIER.Mynoblegeneral,Timonisdead;
Entomb’dupontheveryhemo’thesea:
Andonhisgrave-stonethisinsculpture,which
WithwaxIbroughtaway,whosesoftimpression
Interpretsformypoorignorance.
ALCIBIADES.‘Hereliesawretchedcorse,ofwretchedsoul
bereft:
Seeknotmyname:aplagueconsumeyouwickedcaitiffsleft!
HerelieI,Timon;who,alive,alllivingmendidhate:
Passby,andcursethyfill;butpassandstaynotherethy
gait.’
Thesewellexpressintheethylatterspirits:
Thoughthouabhorr ’dstinusourhumangriefs,
Scorn’dstourbrain’sflowandthoseourdropletswhich
Fromniggardnaturefall,yetrichconceit
TaughttheetomakevastNeptuneweepforaye
Onthylowgrave,onfaultsforgiven.Dead
IsnobleTimon;ofwhosememory
Hereaftermore.Bringmeintoyourcity,
AndIwillusetheolivewithmysword;
Makewarbreedpeace;makepeacestintwar;makeeach
Prescribetootheraseachother ’sleech.
Letourdrumsstrike.Exeunt
JULIUSCÆSAR
CASTOFCHARACTERS
JULIUSCÆSAR
OCTAVIUSCÆSAR
MARCUSANTONIUS
M.ÆMILIUSLEPIDUS
TriumvirsaftertheDeath
ofJuliusCæsar
CICERO
PUBLIUS
Senators
POPILIUSLENA
MARCUSBRUTUS
CASSIUS
CASCA
T REBONIUS
ConspiratorsagainstJulius
Cæsar
LIGARIUS
DECIUSBRUTUS
METELLUSCIMBER
CINNA
FLAVIUSANDMARULLUS,Tribunes
ARTEMIDORUS,aSophistofCnidos
ASoothsayer
CINNA,aPoet
AnotherPoet
LUCILIUS,T ITINIUS,MESSALA,YoungCATO,and
VOLUMNIUS,FriendstoBrutusandCassius
VARRO,CLITUS,CLAUDIUS,STRATO,LUCIUS,
DARDANIUS,ServantstoBrutus
PINDARUS,ServanttoCassius
CALPHURNIA,WifetoCæsar
PORTIA,WifetoBrutus
Senators,Citizens,Guards,Attendants,&c.
SCENE
Rome;afterwards,SardisandnearPhilippi
ACTONE
SCENEONE
Rome.AStreet.
EnterFlavius,Marullus,andcertainCommoners
FLAVIUS.Hence!home,youidlecreatures,getyouhome.
Isthisaholiday?What!knowyounot,
Beingmechanical,yououghtnotwalk
Uponalabouringdaywithoutthesign
Ofyourprofession?Speak,whattradeartthou?
FIRSTCOMMONER.Why,sir,acarpenter.
MARULLUS.Whereisthyleatherapron,andthyrule?
Whatdostthouwiththybestapparelon?
You,sir,whattradeareyou?
SECONDCOMMONER.Truly,sir,inrespectofafinework-
man,Iambut,asyouwouldsay,acobbler.
MARULLUS.Butwhattradeartthou?Answermedirectly.
SECONDCOMMONER.Atrade,sir,that,Ihope,Imayuse
withasafeconscience;whichis,indeed,sir,amenderof
badsoles.
MARULLUS.Whattrade,thouknave?thounaughtyknave,
whattrade?
SECONDCOMMONER.Nay,Ibeseechyou,sir,benotout
withme:yet,ifyoubeout,sir,Icanmendyou.
MARULLUS.Whatmeanestthoubythat?Mendme,thou
saucyfellow!
SECONDCOMMONER.Why,sir,cobbleyou.
FLAVIUS.Thouartacobbler,artthou?
SECONDCOMMONER.Truly,sir,allthatIlivebyiswiththe
awl:Imeddlewithnotradesman’smatters,norwomen’s
matters,butwithawl.Iam,indeed,sir,asurgeonto
oldshoes;whentheyareingreatdanger,Irecoverthem.
Aspropermenasevertroduponneat’sleatherhavegone
uponmyhandiwork.
FLAVIUS.Butwhereforeartnotinthyshopto-day?
Whydostthouleadthesemenaboutthestreets?
SECONDCOMMONER.Truly,sir,towearouttheirshoes,to
getmyselfintomorework.But,indeed,sir,wemake
holidaytoseeCæsarandtorejoiceinhistriumph.
MARULLUS.Whereforerejoice?Whatconquestbringshe
home?
WhattributariesfollowhimtoRome
Tograceincaptivebondshischariotwheels?
Youblocks,youstones,youworsethansenselessthings!
Oyouhardhearts,youcruelmenofRome,
KnewyounotPompey?Manyatimeandoft
Haveyouclimb’duptowallsandbattlements,
Totowersandwindows,yea,tochimney-tops,
Yourinfantsinyourarms,andtherehavesat
Thelivelongday,withpatientexpectation,
ToseegreatPompeypassthestreetsofRome:
Andwhenyousawhischariotbutappear,
Haveyounotmadeauniversalshout,
ThatTibertrembledunderneathherbanks,
Tohearthereplicationofyoursounds
Madeinherconcaveshores?
Anddoyounowputonyourbestattire?
Anddoyounowculloutaholiday?
Anddoyounowstrewflowersinhisway,
ThatcomesintriumphoverPompey’sblood?
Begone!
Runtoyourhouses,falluponyourknees,
Praytothegodstointermittheplague
Thatneedsmustlightonthisingratitude.
FLAVIUS.Go,go,goodcountrymen,and,forthisfault
Assembleallthepoormenofyoursort;
DrawthemtoTiberbanks,andweepyourtears
Intothechannel,tilltheloweststream
Dokissthemostexaltedshoresofall.
ExeuntalltheCommoners
Seewhe’rtheirbasestmetalbenotmov’d;
Theyvanishtongue-tiedintheirguiltiness.
GoyoudownthatwaytowardstheCapitol;
ThiswaywillI:Disrobetheimages
Ifyoudofindthemdeck’dwithceremonies.
MARULLUS.Maywedoso?
YouknowitisthefeastofLupercal.
FLAVIUS.Itisnomatter;letnoimages
BehungwithCæsar ’strophies.I’llabout,
Anddriveawaythevulgarfromthestreets:
Sodoyoutoowhereyouperceivethemthick.
Thesegrowingfeatherspluck’dfromCæsar ’swing
Willmakehimflyanordinarypitch,
Whoelsewouldsoarabovetheviewofmen
Andkeepusallinservilefearfulness.Exeunt
SCENETWO
APublicPlace.
Enter,inprocession,withmusic,Cæsar;Antony,forthe
course;Calphurnia,Portia,Decius,Cicero,Brutus,Cassius,
andCasca;agreatcrowdfollowing,amongthema
Soothsayer
CÆSAR.Calphurnia!
CASCA.Peace,ho!Cæsarspeaks.Musicceases
CÆSAR.Calphurnia!
CALPHURNIA.Here,mylord.
CÆSAR.StandyoudirectlyinAntonius’way
Whenhedothrunhiscourse.Antonius!
ANTONY.Cæsar,mylord.
CÆSAR.Forgetnot,inyourspeed,Antonius,
TotouchCalphurnia;forourelderssay,
Thebarren,touchedinthisholychase,
Shakeofftheirsterilecurse.
ANTONY.Ishallremember:
WhenCæsarsays‘Dothis,’itisperform’d.
CÆSAR.Seton;andleavenoceremonyout.Music
SOOTHSAYER.Cæsar!
CÆSAR.Ha!Whocalls?
CASCA.Bideverynoisebestill:peaceyetagain!
Musicceases
CÆSAR.Whoisitinthepressthatcallsonme?
Ihearatongue,shrillerthanallthemusic,
Cry‘Cæsar.’Speak;Cæsaristurn’dtohear.
SOOTHSAYER.BewaretheidesofMarch.
CÆSAR.Whatmanisthat?
BRUTUS.AsoothsayerbidsyoubewaretheidesofMarch.
CÆSAR.Sethimbeforeme;letmeseehisface.
CASSIUS.Fellow,comefromthethrong;lookuponCæsar.
CÆSAR.Whatsaystthoutomenow?Speakonceagain.
SOOTHSAYER.BewaretheidesofMarch.
CÆSAR.Heisadreamer;letusleavehim:pass.
Sennet.ExeuntallbutBrutusandCassius
CASSIUS.Willyougoseetheorderofthecourse?
BRUTUS.NotI.
CASSIUS.Iprayyou,do.
BRUTUS.Iamnotgamesome:Idolacksomepart
OfthatquickspiritthatisinAntony.
Letmenothinder,Cassius,yourdesires;
I’llleaveyou.
CASSIUS.Brutus,Idoobserveyounowoflate:
Ihavenotfromyoureyesthatgentleness
AndshowofloveasIwaswonttohave:
Youbeartoostubbornandtoostrangeahand
Overyourfriendthatlovesyou.
BRUTUS.Cassius,
Benotdeceiv’d:ifIhaveveil’dmylook,
Iturnthetroubleofmycountenance
Merelyuponmyself.VexedIam
Oflatewithpassionsofsomedifference,
Conceptionsonlypropertomyself,
Whichgivesomesoilperhapstomybehaviours;
Butletnotthereforemygoodfriendsbegriev’d,—
Amongwhichnumber,Cassius,beyouone,—
Norconstrueanyfurthermyneglect,
ThanthatpoorBrutus,withhimselfatwar,
Forgetstheshowsoflovetoothermen.
CASSIUS.Then,Brutus,Ihavemuchmistookyourpassion;
Bymeanswhereofthisbreastofminehathburied
Thoughtsofgreatvalue,worthycogitations.
Tellme,goodBrutus,canyouseeyourface?
BRUTUS.No,Cassius;fortheeyeseesnotitself,
Butbyreflection,bysomeotherthings.
CASSIUS.’Tisjust:
Anditisverymuchlamented,Brutus,
Thatyouhavenosuchmirrorsaswillturn
Yourhiddenworthinessintoyoureye,
Thatyoumightseeyourshadow.Ihaveheard,
WheremanyofthebestrespectinRome,—
ExceptimmortalCæsar,—speakingofBrutus,
Andgroaningunderneaththisage’syoke,
Havewish’dthatnobleBrutushadhiseyes.
BRUTUS.Intowhatdangerswouldyouleadme,Cassius,
Thatyouwouldhavemeseekintomyself
Forthatwhichisnotinme?
CASSIUS.Therefore,goodBrutus,beprepar ’dtohear;
And,sinceyouknowyoucannotseeyourself
Sowellasbyreflection,I,yourglass,
Willmodestlydiscovertoyourself
Thatofyourselfwhichyouyetknownotof.
Andbenotjealousonme,gentleBrutus:
WereIacommonlaugher,ordiduse
Tostalewithordinaryoathsmylove
Toeverynewprotester;ifyouknow
ThatIdofawnonmenandhugthemhard,
Andafterscandalthem;orifyouknow
ThatIprofessmyselfinbanqueting
Toalltherout,thenholdmedangerous.
Flourishandshout
BRUTUS.Whatmeansthisshouting?Idofear,thepeople
ChooseCæsarfortheirking.
CASSIUS.Ay,doyoufearit?
ThenmustIthinkyouwouldnothaveitso.
BRUTUS.Iwouldnot,Cassius;yetIlovehimwell.
Butwhereforedoyouholdmeheresolong?
Whatisitthatyouwouldimparttome?
Ifitbeaughttowardthegeneralgood,
Sethonourinoneeyeanddeathi’theother,
AndIwilllookonbothindifferently;
ForletthegodssospeedmeasIlove
ThenameofhonourmorethanIfeardeath.
CASSIUS.Iknowthatvirtuetobeinyou,Brutus,
AswellasIdoknowyouroutwardfavour.
Well,honouristhesubjectofmystory.
Icannottellwhatyouandothermen
Thinkofthislife;but,formysingleself,
Ihadasliefnotbeaslivetobe
InaweofsuchathingasImyself.
IwasbornfreeasCæsar;sowereyou:
Webothhavefedaswell,andwecanboth
Endurethewinter ’scoldaswellashe:
Foronce,uponarawandgustyday,
ThetroubledTiberchafingwithhershores,
Cæsarsaidtome,‘dar ’stthou,Cassius,now
Leapinwithmeintothisangryflood,
Andswimtoyonderpoint?’Upontheword,
AccoutredasIwas,Iplungedin
Andbadehimfollow;soindeedhedid.
Thetorrentroar ’d,andwedidbuffetit
Withlustysinews,throwingitaside
Andstemmingitwithheartsofcontroversy;
Buterewecouldarrivethepointpropos’d,
Cæsarcried,‘Helpme,Cassius,orIsink!’
I,asÆneas,ourgreatancestor,
DidfromtheflamesofTroyuponhisshoulder
TheoldAnchisesbear,sofromthewavesofTiber
DidIthetiredCæsar.Andthisman
Isnowbecomeagod,andCassiusis
Awretchedcreatureandmustbendhisbody
IfCæsarcarelesslybutnodonhim.
HehadafeverwhenhewasinSpain,
Andwhenthefitwasonhim,Ididmark
Howhedidshake;’tistrue,thisgoddidshake;
Hiscowardlipsdidfromtheircolourfly,
Andthatsameeyewhosebenddothawetheworld
Didlosehislustre;Ididhearhimgroan;
Ay,andthattongueofhisthatbadetheRomans
Markhimandwritehisspeechesintheirbooks,
Alas!itcried,‘Givemesomedrink,Titinius,’
Asasickgirl.Yegods,itdothamazeme,
Amanofsuchafeebletempershould
Sogetthestartofthemajesticworld,
Andbearthepalmalone.Flourish.Shout
BRUTUS.Anothergeneralshout!
Idobelievethattheseapplausesare
ForsomenewhonoursthatareheapedonCæsar.
CASSIUS.Why,man,hedothbestridethenarrowworld
LikeaColossus;andwepettymen
Walkunderhishugelegs,andpeepabout
Tofindourselvesdishonourablegraves.
Menatsometimearemastersoftheirfates:
Thefault,dearBrutus,isnotinourstars,
Butinourselves,thatweareunderlings.
BrutusandCæsar:whatshouldbeinthat‘Cæsar ’?
Whyshouldthatnamebesoundedmorethanyours?
Writethemtogether,yoursisasfairaname;
Soundthem,itdothbecomethemouthaswell;
Weighthem,itisasheavy;conjurewith’em,
‘Brutus’willstartaspiritassoonas‘Cæsar.’
Now,inthenamesofallthegodsatonce,
UponwhatmeatdoththisourCæsarfeed,
Thatheisgrownsogreat?Age,thouartsham’d!
Rome,thouhastlostthebreedofnoblebloods!
Whenwenttherebyanage,sincethegreatflood,
Butitwasfam’dwithmorethanwithoneman?
Whencouldtheysay,tillnow,thattalk’dofRome,
Thatherwidewallsencompass’dbutoneman?
NowisitRomeindeedandroomenough,
Whenthereisinitbutoneonlyman.
O!youandIhaveheardourfatherssay,
TherewasaBrutusoncethatwouldhavebrook’d
TheeternaldeviltokeephisstateinRome
Aseasilyasaking.
BRUTUS.Thatyoudoloveme,Iamnothingjealous;
Whatyouwouldworkmeto,Ihavesomeaim:
HowIhavethoughtofthisandofthesetimes,
Ishallrecounthereafter;forthispresent,
Iwouldnot,sowithloveImightentreatyou,
Beanyfurthermov’d.Whatyouhavesaid
Iwillconsider;whatyouhavetosay
Iwillwithpatiencehear,andfindatime
Bothmeettohearandanswersuchhighthings.
Tillthen,mynoblefriend,chewuponthis:
Brutushadratherbeavillager
ThantoreputehimselfasonofRome
Underthesehardconditionsasthistime
Isliketolayuponus.
CASSIUS.Iamglad
Thatmyweakwordshavestruckbutthusmuchshow
OffirefromBrutus.
BRUTUS.ThegamesaredoneandCæsarisreturning.
CASSIUS.Astheypassby,pluckCascabythesleeve,
Andhewill,afterhissourfashion,tellyou
Whathathproceededworthynoteto-day.
Re-enterCæsarandhisTrain
BRUTUS.Iwilldoso.But,lookyou,Cassius,
TheangryspotdothglowonCæsar ’sbrow,
Andalltherestlooklikeachiddentrain:
Calphurnia’scheekispale,andCicero
Lookswithsuchferretandsuchfieryeyes
AswehaveseenhimintheCapitol,
Beingcross’dinconferencebysomesenators.
CASSIUS.Cascawilltelluswhatthematteris.
CÆSAR.Antonius!
ANTONY.Cæsar?
CÆSAR.Letmehavemenaboutmethatarefat;
Sleek-headedmenandsuchassleepo’nights.
YondCassiushasaleanandhungrylook;
Hethinkstoomuch:suchmenaredangerous.
ANTONY.Fearhimnot,Cæsar,he’snotdangerous;
HeisanobleRoman,andwellgiven.
CÆSAR.Wouldhewerefatter!butIfearhimnot:
Yetifmynamewereliabletofear,
IdonotknowthemanIshouldavoid
SosoonasthatspareCassius.Hereadsmuch;
Heisagreatobserver,andhelooks
Quitethroughthedeedsofmen;helovesnoplays,
Asthoudost,Antony;hehearsnomusic;
Seldomhesmiles,andsmilesinsuchasort
Asifhemock’dhimself,andscorn’dhisspirit
Thatcouldbemov’dtosmileatanything.
Suchmenashebeneveratheart’sease
Whilestheybeholdagreaterthanthemselves,
Andthereforearetheyverydangerous.
Irathertelltheewhatistobefear ’d
ThanwhatIfear,foralwaysIamCæsar.
Comeonmyrighthand,forthisearisdeaf,
Andtellmetrulywhatthouthink’stofhim.
Sennet.ExeuntCæsar
andhisTrain.Cascastaysbehind
CASCA.Youpull’dmebythecloak;wouldyouspeakwith
me?
BRUTUS.Ay,Casca;telluswhathathchanc’dto-day,
ThatCæsarlookssosad.
CASCA.Why,youwerewithhim,wereyounot?
BRUTUS.IshouldnotthenaskCascawhathadchanc’d.
CASCA.Why,therewasacrownofferedhim;and,being
offeredhim,heputitbywiththebackofhishand,thus;
andthenthepeoplefella-shouting.
BRUTUS.Whatwasthesecondnoisefor?
CASCA.Why,forthattoo.
CASSIUS.Theyshoutedthrice:whatwasthelastcryfor?
CASCA.Why,forthattoo.
BRUTUS.Wasthecrownofferedhimthrice?
CASCA.Ay,marry,was’t,andheputitbythrice,every
timegentlerthanother;andateveryputting-bymine
honestneighboursshouted.
CASSIUS.Whoofferedhimthecrown?
CASCA.Why,Antony.
BRUTUS.Tellusthemannerofit,gentleCasca.
CASCA.Icanaswellbehangedastellthemannerofit:it
wasmerefoolery;Ididnotmarkit.IsawMarkAntony
offerhimacrown;yet’twasnotacrownneither,’twas
oneofthesecoronets;and,asItoldyou,heputitby
once;but,forallthat,tomythinking,hewouldfain
havehadit.Thenheofferedittohimagain;thenheput
itbyagain;but,tomythinking,hewasveryloathtolay
hisfingersoffit.Andthenheoffereditthethirdtime;
heputitthethirdtimeby;andstillasherefuseditthe
rabblementshoutedandclappedtheirchoppedhands,
andthrewuptheirsweatynight-caps,anduttered
suchadealofstinkingbreathbecauseCæsarrefused
thecrown,thatithadalmostchokedCæsar;forhe
swoundedandfelldownatit:andformineownpart,I
durstnotlaugh,forfearofopeningmylipsandreceivingthebadair.
CASSIUS.Butsoft,Iprayyou:what!didCæsarswound?
CASCA.Hefelldowninthemarket-place,andfoamedat
mouth,andwasspeechless.
BRUTUS.’Tisverylike:hehaththefalling-sickness.
CASSIUS.No,Cæsarhathitnot;butyou,andI,
AndhonestCasca,wehavethefalling-sickness.
CASCA.Iknownotwhatyoumeanbythat;butIamsure
Cæsarfelldown.Ifthetag-ragpeopledidnotclaphim
andhisshim,accordingashepleasedanddispleased
them,astheyusetodotheplayersinthetheatre,Iam
notrueman.
BRUTUS.Whatsaidhe,whenhecameuntohimself?
CASCA.Marry,beforehefelldown,whenheperceiv’dthe
commonherdwasgladherefusedthecrown,heplucked
meopehisdoubletandofferedthemhisthroattocut.
AnIhadbeenamanofanyoccupation,ifIwouldnot
havetakenhimataword,IwouldImightgotohell
amongtherogues.Andsohefell.Whenhecametohimselfagain,hesaid,ifhehaddoneorsaidanything
amiss,hedesiredtheirworshipstothinkitwashisinfirmity.Threeorfourwenches,whereIstood,cried,
‘Alas!goodsoul,’andforgavehimwithalltheirhearts:
butthere’snoheedtobetakenofthem;ifCæsarhad
stabbedtheirmothers,theywouldhavedonenoless.
BRUTUS.Andafterthat,hecame,thussad,away?
CASCA.Ay.
CASSIUS.DidCicerosayanything?
CASCA.Ay,hespokeGreek.
CASSIUS.Towhateffect?
CASCA.Nay,anItellyouthat,I’llne’erlookyoui’theface
again;butthosethatunderstoodhimsmiledatoneanotherandshooktheirheads;but,formineownpart,it
wasGreektome.Icouldtellyoumorenewstoo;MarullusandFlavius,forpullingscarfsoffCæsar ’simages,are
puttosilence.Fareyouwell.Therewasmorefoolery
yet,ifIcouldrememberit.
CASSIUS.Willyousupwithmeto-night,Casca?
CASCA.No,Iampromisedforth.
CASSIUS.Willyoudinewithmeto-morrow?
CASCA.Ay,ifIbealive,andyourmindhold,andyour
dinnerworththeeating.
CASSIUS.Good;Iwillexpectyou.
CASCA.Doso.Farewell,both.Exit
BRUTUS.Whatabluntfellowisthisgrowntobe!
Hewasquickmettlewhenhewenttoschool.
CASSIUS.Soishenowinexecution
Ofanyboldornobleenterprise,
Howeverheputsonthistardyform.
Thisrudenessisasaucetohisgoodwit,
Whichgivesmenstomachtodigesthiswords
Withbetterappetite.
BRUTUS.Andsoitis.ForthistimeIwillleaveyou:
To-morrow,ifyoupleasetospeakwithme,
Iwillcomehometoyou;or,ifyouwill,
Comehometome,andIwillwaitforyou.
CASSIUS.Iwilldoso:tillthen,thinkoftheworld.
ExitBrutus
Well,Brutus,thouartnoble;yet,Isee,
Thyhonourablemetalmaybewrought
Fromthatitisdispos’d:therefore’tismeet
Thatnoblemindskeepeverwiththeirlikes;
Forwhosofirmthatcannotbeseduc’d?
Cæsardothbearmehard;buthelovesBrutus:
IfIwereBrutusnowandhewereCassius
Heshouldnothumourme.Iwillthisnight,
Inseveralhands,inathiswindowsthrow,
Asiftheycamefromseveralcitizens,
Writingsalltendingtothegreatopinion
ThatRomeholdsofhisname;whereinobscurely
Cæsar ’sambitionshallbeglancedat:
AndafterthisletCæsarseathimsure;
Forwewillshakehim,orworsedaysendure.Exit
SCENETHREE
AStreet.
Thunderandlightning.Enter,fromoppositesides,
Casca,withhissworddrawn,andCicero
CICERO.Goodeven,Casca:broughtyouCæsarhome?
Whyareyoubreathless?andwhystareyouso?
CASCA.Arenotyoumov’d,whenalltheswayofearth
Shakeslikeathingunfirm?OCicero!
Ihaveseentempests,whenthescoldingwinds
Haveriv’dtheknottyoaks;andIhaveseen
Theambitiousoceanswellandrageandfoam,
Tobeexaltedwiththethreateningclouds:
Butnevertillto-night,nevertillnow,
DidIgothroughatempestdroppingfire.
Eitherthereisacivilstrifeinheaven,
Orelsetheworld,toosaucywiththegods,
Incensesthemtosenddestruction.
CICERO.Why,sawyouanythingmorewonderful?
CASCA.Acommonslave—youknowhimwellbysight—
Helduphislefthand,whichdidflameandburn
Liketwentytorchesjoin’d;andyethishand,
Notsensibleoffire,remain’dunscorch’d.
Besides,—Ihavenotsinceputupmysword,—
AgainsttheCapitolImetalion,
Whoglar ’duponme,andwentsurlyby,
Withoutannoyingme;andthereweredrawn
Uponaheapahundredghastlywomen,
Transformedwiththeirfear,whosworetheysaw
Menallinfirewalkupanddownthestreets.
Andyesterdaythebirdofnightdidsit,
Evenatnoon-day,uponthemarket-place,
Hootingandshrieking.Whentheseprodigies
Dosoconjointlymeet,letnotmensay
‘Thesearetheirreasons,theyarenatural’;
For,Ibelieve,theyareportentousthings
Untotheclimatethattheypointupon.
CICERO.Indeed,itisastrange-disposedtime:
Butmenmayconstruethingsaftertheirfashion,
Cleanfromthepurposeofthethingsthemselves.
ComesCæsartotheCapitolto-morrow?
CASCA.Hedoth;forhedidbidAntonius
Sendwordtoyouhewouldbethereto-morrow.
CICERO.Good-nightthen,Casca:thisdisturbedsky
Isnottowalkin.
CASCA.Farewell,Cicero.ExitCicero
EnterCassius
CASSIUS.Who’sthere?
CASCA.ARoman.
CASSIUS.Casca,byyourvoice.
CASCA.Yourearisgood.Cassius,whatnightisthis!
CASSIUS.Averypleasingnighttohonestmen.
CASCA.Whoeverknewtheheavensmenaceso?
CASSIUS.Thosethathaveknowntheearthsofulloffaults.
Formypart,Ihavewalk’daboutthestreets,
Submittingmeuntotheperilousnight,
And,thusunbraced,Casca,asyousee,
Havebar ’dmybosomtothethunder-stone;
And,whenthecrossbluelightningseem’dtoopen
Thebreastofheaven,Ididpresentmyself
Evenintheaimandveryflashofit.
CASCA.Butwhereforedidyousomuchtempttheheavens?
Itisthepartofmentofearandtremble
Whenthemostmightygodsbytokenssend
Suchdreadfulheraldstoastonishus.
CASSIUS.Youaredull,Casca,andthosesparksoflife
ThatshouldbeinaRomanyoudowant,
Orelseyouusenot.Youlookpale,andgaze,
Andputonfear,andcastyourselfinwonder,
Toseethestrangeimpatienceoftheheavens;
Butifyouwouldconsiderthetruecause
Whyallthesefires,whyalltheseglidingghosts,
Whybirdsandbeasts,fromqualityandkind;
Whyoldmen,fools,andchildrencalculate;
Whyallthesethingschangefromtheirordinance,
Theirnatures,andpre-formedfaculties,
Tomonstrousquality,why,youshallfind
Thatheavenhathinfus’dthemwiththesespirits
Tomaketheminstrumentsoffearandwarning
Untosomemonstrousstate.
NowcouldI,Casca,nametotheeaman
Mostlikethisdreadfulnight,
Thatthunders,lightens,opensgraves,androars
AsdoththelionintheCapitol,
Amannomightierthanthyselforme
Inpersonalaction,yetprodigiousgrown
Andfearfulasthesestrangeeruptionsare.
CASCA.’TisCæsarthatyoumean;isitnot,Cassius?
CASSIUS.Letitbewhoitis;forRomansnow
Havethewsandlimbsliketotheirancestors;
But,woethewhile!ourfathers’mindsaredead,
Andwearegovern’dwithourmothers’spirits;
Ouryokeandsufferanceshowuswomanish.
CASCA.Indeed,theysaythesenatorsto-morrow
MeantoestablishCæsarasaking;
Andheshallwearhiscrownbyseaandland,
Ineveryplace,savehereinItaly.
CASSIUS.IknowwhereIwillwearthisdaggerthen;
CassiusfrombondagewilldeliverCassius:
Therein,yegods,youmaketheweakmoststrong;
Therein,yegods,youtyrantsdodefeat:
Norstonytower,norwallsofbeatenbrass,
Norairlessdungeon,norstronglinksofiron,
Canberetentivetothestrengthofspirit;
Butlife,beingwearyofthoseworldlybars,
Neverlackspowertodismissitself.
IfIknowthis,knowalltheworldbesides,
ThatpartoftyrannythatIdobear
Icanshakeoffatpleasure.Thunderstill
CASCA.SocanI:
Soeverybondmaninhisownhandbears
Thepowertocancelhiscaptivity.
CASSIUS.AndwhyshouldCæsarbeatyrantthen?
Poorman!Iknowhewouldnotbeawolf
ButthatheseestheRomansarebutsheep;
HewerenolionwerenotRomanshinds.
Thosethatwithhastewillmakeamightyfire
Beginitwithweakstraws;whattrashisRome,
Whatrubbish,andwhatoffal,whenitserves
Forthebasemattertoilluminate
SovileathingasCæsar!But,Ogrief!
Wherehastthouledme?I,perhaps,speakthis
Beforeawillingbondman;thenIknow,
Myanswermustbemade:butIamarm’d,
Anddangersaretomeindifferent.
CASCA.YouspeaktoCasca,andtosuchaman
Thatisnofleeringtell-tale.Hold,myhand:
Befactiousforredressofallthesegriefs,
AndIwillsetthisfootofmineasfar
Aswhogoesfarthest.
CASSIUS.There’sabargainmade.
Nowknowyou,Casca,Ihavemov’dalready
Somecertainofthenoblest-mindedRomans
Toundergowithmeanenterprise
Ofhonourable-dangerousconsequence;
AndIdoknowbythistheystayforme
InPompey’sporch:fornow,thisfearfulnight,
Thereisnostir,orwalkinginthestreets;
Andthecomplexionoftheelement
Infavour’sliketheworkwehaveinhand,
Mostbloody,fiery,andmostterrible.
CASCA.Standcloseawhile,forherecomesoneinhaste.
CASSIUS.’TisCinna;Idoknowhimbyhisgait:
Heisafriend.
EnterCinna
Cinna,wherehasteyouso?
CINNA.Tofindoutyou.Who’sthat?MetellusCimber?
CASSIUS.No,itisCasca;oneincorporate
Toourattempts.AmInotstay’dfor,Cinna?
CINNA.Iamgladon’t.Whatafearfulnightisthis!
There’stwoorthreeofushaveseenstrangesights.
CASSIUS.AmInotstay’dfor?Tellme.
CINNA.Yes,youare.
OCassius!ifyoucould
ButwinthenobleBrutustoourparty—
CASSIUS.Beyoucontent.GoodCinna,takethispaper,
Andlookyoulayitintheprætor ’schair,
WhereBrutusmaybutfindit;andthrowthis
Inathiswindow;setthisupwithwax
UponoldBrutus’statue:allthisdone,
RepairtoPompey’sporch,whereyoushallfindus.
IsDeciusBrutusandTreboniusthere?
CINNA.AllbutMetellusCimber;andhe’sgone
Toseekyouatyourhouse.Well,Iwillhie,
Andsobestowthesepapersasyoubademe.
CASSIUS.Thatdone,repairtoPompey’stheatre.
ExitCinna
Come,Casca,youandIwillyetereday
SeeBrutusathishouse:threepartsofhim
Isoursalready,andthemanentire
Uponthenextencounteryieldshimours.
CASCA.O!hesitshighinallthepeople’shearts:
Andthatwhichwouldappearoffenceinus,
Hiscountenance,likerichestalchemy,
Willchangetovirtueandtoworthiness.
CASSIUS.Himandhisworthandourgreatneedofhim
Youhaverightwellconceited.Letusgo,
Foritisaftermidnight;andereday
Wewillawakehimandbesureofhim.Exeunt
ACTTWO
SCENEONE
Rome.Brutus’Orchard.
EnterBrutus
BRUTUS.What,Lucius!ho!
Icannot,bytheprogressofthestars,
Giveguesshowneartoday.Lucius,Isay!
Iwoulditweremyfaulttosleepsosoundly.
When,Lucius,when!Awake,Isay!what,Lucius!
EnterLucius
LUCIUS.Call’dyou,mylord?
BRUTUS.Getmeataperinmystudy,Lucius:
Whenitislighted,comeandcallmehere.
LUCIUS.Iwill,mylord.Exit
BRUTUS.Itmustbebyhisdeath:and,formypart,
Iknownopersonalcausetospurnathim,
Butforthegeneral.Hewouldbecrown’d:
Howthatmightchangehisnature,there’sthequestion:
Itisthebrightdaythatbringsforththeadder;
Andthatcraveswarywalking.Crownhim—that!
Andthen,Igrant,weputastinginhim.
Thatathiswillhemaydodangerwith.
Theabuseofgreatnessiswhenitdisjoins
Remorsefrompower;and,tospeaktruthofCæsar,
Ihavenotknownwhenhisaffectionssway’d
Morethanhisreason.But’tisacommonproof,
Thatlowlinessisyoungambition’sladder,
Wheretotheclimber-upwardturnshisface;
Butwhenheonceattainstheupmostround,
Hethenuntotheladderturnshisback,
Looksintheclouds,scorningthebasedegrees
Bywhichhedidascend.SoCæsarmay:
Then,lesthemay,prevent.And,sincethequarrel
Willbearnocolourforthethingheis,
Fashionitthus;thatwhatheis,augmented,
Wouldruntotheseandtheseextremities;
Andthereforethinkhimasaserpent’segg
Which,hatch’d,would,ashiskind,growmischievous,
Andkillhimintheshell.
Re-enterLucius
LUCIUS.Thetaperburnethinyourcloset,sir.
Searchingthewindowforaflint,Ifound
Thispaper,thusseal’dup:andIamsure
ItdidnotlietherewhenIwenttobed.
BRUTUS.Getyoutobedagain;itisnotday.
Isnotto-morrow,boy,theidesofMarch?
LUCIUS.Iknownot,sir.
BRUTUS.Lookinthecalendar,andbringmeword.
LUCIUS.Iwill,sir.Exit
BRUTUS.Theexhalationswhizzingintheair
GivesomuchlightthatImayreadbythem.
Openstheletter
‘Brutus,thousleep’st:awakeandseethyself.
ShallRome,&c.Speak,strike,redress!
Brutus,thousleep’st:awake!’
Suchinstigationshavebeenoftendropp’d
WhereIhavetookthemup.
‘ShallRome,&c.’ThusmustIpieceitout:
ShallRomestandunderoneman’sawe?What,Rome?
MyancestorsdidfromthestreetsofRome
TheTarquindrive,whenhewascall’daking.
‘Speak,strike,redress!’AmIentreated
Tospeak,andstrike?ORome!Imaketheepromise;
Iftheredresswillfollow,thoureceiv’st
ThyfullpetitionatthehandofBrutus!
Re-enterLucius
LUCIUS.Sir,Marchiswastedfourteendays.
Knockingwithin
BRUTUS.’Tisgood.Gotothegate:somebodyknocks.
ExitLucius
SinceCassiusfirstdidwhetmeagainstCæsar,
Ihavenotslept.
Betweentheactingofadreadfulthing
Andthefirstmotion,alltheinterimis
Likeaphantasma,orahideousdream:
Thegeniusandthemortalinstruments
Arethenincouncil;andthestateofman,
Liketoalittlekingdom,suffersthen
Thenatureofaninsurrection.
Re-enterLucius
LUCIUS.Sir,’tisyourbrotherCassiusatthedoor,
Whodothdesiretoseeyou.
BRUTUS.Ishealone?
LUCIUS.No,sir,therearemorewithhim.
BRUTUS.Doyouknowthem?
LUCIUS.No,sir;theirhatsarepluck’dabouttheirears,
Andhalftheirfacesburiedintheircloaks,
ThatbynomeansImaydiscoverthem
Byanymarkoffavour.
BRUTUS.Let’ementer.ExitLucius
Theyarethefaction.Oconspiracy!
Sham’stthoutoshowthydangerousbrowbynight,
Whenevilsaremostfree?O!thenbyday
Wherewiltthoufindacaverndarkenough
Tomaskthymonstrousvisage?Seeknone,conspiracy;
Hideitinsmilesandaffability:
Forifthoupath,thynativesemblanceon,
NotErebusitselfweredimenough
Tohidetheefromprevention.
EntertheConspirators,Cassius,Casca,Decius,Cinna,
MetellusCimber,andTrebonius
CASSIUS.Ithinkwearetoobolduponyourrest:
Good-morrow,Brutus;dowetroubleyou?
BRUTUS.Ihavebeenupthishour,awakeallnight.
KnowIthesementhatcomealongwithyou?
CASSIUS.Yes,everymanofthem;andnomanhere
Buthonoursyou;andeveryonedothwish
Youhadbutthatopinionofyourself
WhicheverynobleRomanbearsofyou.
ThisisTrebonius.
BRUTUS.Heiswelcomehither.
CASSIUS.This,DeciusBrutus.
BRUTUS.Heiswelcometoo.
CASSIUS.This,Casca;this,Cinna;
Andthis,MetellusCimber.
BRUTUS.Theyareallwelcome.
Whatwatchfulcaresdointerposethemselves
Betwixtyoureyesandnight?
CASSIUS.ShallIentreataword?
BrutusandCassiuswhisper
DECIUS.Hereliestheeast:dothnotthedaybreakhere?
CASCA.No.
CINNA.O!pardon,sir,itdoth;andyongreylines
Thatfretthecloudsaremessengersofday.
CASCA.Youshallconfessthatyouarebothdeceiv’d.
Here,asIpointmysword,thesunarises;
Whichisagreatwaygrowingonthesouth,
Weighingtheyouthfulseasonoftheyear.
Sometwomonthshenceuphighertowardthenorth
Hefirstpresentshisfire;andthehigheast
Stands,astheCapitol,directlyhere.
BRUTUS.Givemeyourhandsallover,onebyone.
CASSIUS.Andletusswearourresolution.
BRUTUS.No,notanoath:ifnotthefaceofmen,
Thesufferanceofoursouls,thetime’sabuse,—
Ifthesebemotivesweak,breakoffbetimes,
Andeverymanhencetohisidlebed;
Solethigh-sightedtyrannyrangeon,
Tilleachmandropbylottery.Butifthese,
AsIamsuretheydo,bearfireenough
Tokindlecowardsandtosteelwithvalour
Themeltingspiritsofwomen,then,countrymen,
Whatneedweanyspurbutourowncause
Toprickustoredress?whatotherbond
ThansecretRomans,thathavespoketheword
Andwillnotpalter?andwhatotheroath
Thanhonestytohonestyengag’d,
Thatthisshallbe,orwewillfallforit?
Swearpriestsandcowardsandmencautelous,
Oldfeeblecarrionsandsuchsufferingsouls
Thatwelcomewrongs;untobadcausesswear
Suchcreaturesasmendoubt;butdonotstain
Theevenvirtueofourenterprise,
Northeinsuppressivemettleofourspirits,
Tothinkthatorourcauseorourperformance
Didneedanoath;wheneverydropofblood
ThateveryRomanbears,andnoblybears,
Isguiltyofaseveralbastardy,
Ifhedobreakthesmallestparticle
Ofanypromisethathathpass’dfromhim.
CASSIUS.ButwhatofCicero?Shallwesoundhim?
Ithinkhewillstandverystrongwithus.
CASCA.Letusnotleavehimout.
CINNA.No,bynomeans.
METELLUS.O!letushavehim;forhissilverhairs
Willpurchaseusagoodopinion
Andbuymen’svoicestocommendourdeeds:
Itshallbesaidhisjudgmentrul’dourhands;
Ouryouthsandwildnessshallnowhitappear,
Butallbeburiedinhisgravity.
BRUTUS.O!namehimnot:letusnotbreakwithhim;
Forhewillneverfollowanything
Thatothermenbegin.
CASSIUS.Thenleavehimout.
CASCA.Indeedheisnotfit.
DECIUS.Shallnomanelsebetouch’dbutonlyCæsar?
CASSIUS.Decius,wellurg’d.Ithinkitisnotmeet,
MarkAntony,sowellbelov’dofCæsar,
ShouldoutliveCæsar:weshallfindofhim
Ashrewdcontriver;and,youknow,hismeans,
Ifheimprovethem,maywellstretchsofar
Astoannoyusall;whichtoprevent,
LetAntonyandCæsarfalltogether.
BRUTUS.Ourcoursewillseemtoobloody,CaiusCassius,
Tocuttheheadoffandthenhackthelimbs,
Likewrathindeathandenvyafterwards;
ForAntonyisbutalimbofCæsar;
Letusbesacrificers,butnotbutchers,Caius.
WeallstandupagainstthespiritofCæsar;
Andinthespiritofmenthereisnoblood:
O!thatwethencouldcomebyCæsar ’sspirit,
AndnotdismemberCæsar.But,alas!
Cæsarmustbleedforit.And,gentlefriends,
Let’skillhimboldly,butnotwrathfully;
Let’scarvehimasadishfitforthegods,
Nothewhimasacarcassfitforhounds:
Andletourhearts,assubtlemastersdo,
Stiruptheirservantstoanactofrage,
Andafterseemtochide’em.Thisshallmake
Ourpurposenecessaryandnotenvious;
Whichsoappearingtothecommoneyes,
Weshallbecall’dpurgers,notmurderers.
And,forMarkAntony,thinknotofhim;
ForhecandonomorethanCæsar ’sarm
WhenCæsar ’sheadisoff.
CASSIUS.YetIfearhim;
ForintheengraftedlovehebearstoCæsar—
BRUTUS.Alas!goodCassius,donotthinkofhim:
IfheloveCæsar,allthathecando
Istohimself,takethoughtanddieforCæsar:
Andthatweremuchheshould;forheisgiven
Tosports,towildness,andmuchcompany.
TREBONIUS.Thereisnofearinhim;lethimnotdie:
Forhewilllive,andlaughatthishereafter.
BRUTUS.Peace!counttheclock.Clockstrikes
CASSIUS.Theclockhathstrickenthree.
TREBONIUS.’Tistimetopart.
CASSIUS.Butitisdoubtfulyet
WhetherCæsarwillcomeforthto-dayorno;
Forheissuperstitiousgrownoflate,
Quitefromthemainopinionheheldonce
Offantasy,ofdreams,andceremonies.
Itmaybe,theseapparentprodigies,
Theunaccustom’dterrorofthisnight,
Andthepersuasionofhisaugurers,
MayholdhimfromtheCapitolto-day.
DECIUS.Neverfearthat:ifhebesoresolv’d,
Icano’erswayhim;forhelovestohear
Thatunicornsmaybebetray’dwithtrees,
Andbearswithglasses,elephantswithholes,
Lionswithtoils,andmenwithflatterers;
ButwhenItellhimhehatesflatterers,
Hesayshedoes,beingthenmostflattered.
Letmework;
ForIcangivehishumourthetruebent,
AndIwillbringhimtotheCapitol.
CASSIUS.Nay,wewillallofusbetheretofetchhim.
BRUTUS.Bytheeighthhour:isthattheuttermost?
CINNA.Bethattheuttermost,andfailnotthen.
METELLUS.CaiusLigariusdothbearCæsarhard,
WhoratedhimforspeakingwellofPompey:
Iwondernoneofyouhavethoughtofhim.
BRUTUS.Now,goodMetellus,goalongbyhim:
Helovesmewell,andIhavegivenhimreasons;
Sendhimbuthither,andI’llfashionhim.
CASSIUS.Themorningcomesupon’s:we’llleaveyou,
Brutus.
And,friends,disperseyourselves;butallremember
Whatyouhavesaid,andshowyourselvestrueRomans.
BRUTUS.Goodgentlemen,lookfreshandmerrily;
Letnotourlooksputonourpurposes,
ButbearitasourRomanactorsdo,
Withuntir ’dspiritsandformalconstancy:
Andsogood-morrowtoyoueveryone.
ExeuntallexceptBrutus
Boy!Lucius!Fastasleep?Itisnomatter;
Enjoythehoney-heavydewofslumber:
Thouhastnofiguresnornofantasies,
Whichbusycaredrawsinthebrainsofmen;
Thereforethousleep’stsosound.
EnterPortia
PORTIA.Brutus,mylord!
BRUTUS.Portia,whatmeanyou?Whereforeriseyounow?
Itisnotforyourhealththustocommit
Yourweakconditiontotherawcoldmorning.
PORTIA.Norforyoursneither.You’veungently,Brutus,
Stolefrommybed;andyesternightatsupper
Yousuddenlyarose,andwalk’dabout,
Musingandsighing,withyourarmsacross,
AndwhenIask’dyouwhatthematterwas,
Youstar ’duponmewithungentlelooks.
Iurg’dyoufurther;thenyouscratch’dyourhead,
Andtooimpatientlystamp’dwithyourfoot;
YetIinsisted,yetyouanswer ’dnot,
But,withanangrywaftureofyourhand,
Gavesignformetoleaveyou.SoIdid,
Fearingtostrengthenthatimpatience
Whichseem’dtoomuchenkindled,andwithal
Hopingitwasbutaneffectofhumour,
Whichsometimehathhishourwitheveryman.
Itwillnotletyoueat,nortalk,norsleep,
Andcoulditworksomuchuponyourshape
Asithathmuchprevail’donyourcondition,
Ishouldnotknowyou,Brutus.Dearmylord,
Makemeacquaintedwithyourcauseofgrief.
BRUTUS.Iamnotwellinhealth,andthatisall.
PORTIA.Brutusiswise,andwerehenotinhealth,
Hewouldembracethemeanstocomebyit.
BRUTUS.Why,soIdo.GoodPortia,gotobed.
PORTIA.IsBrutussick,andisitphysical
Towalkunbracedandsuckupthehumours
Ofthedankmorning?What!isBrutussick,
Andwillhestealoutofhiswholesomebed
Todarethevilecontagionofthenight,
Andtempttherheumyandunpurgedair
Toadduntohissickness?No,myBrutus;
Youhavesomesickoffencewithinyourmind,
Which,bytherightandvirtueofmyplace,
Ioughttoknowof;and,uponmyknees,
Icharmyou,bymyonce-commendedbeauty,
Byallyourvowsoflove,andthatgreatvow
Whichdidincorporateandmakeusone,
Thatyouunfoldtome,yourself,yourhalf,
Whyareyouheavy,andwhatmento-night
Havehadresorttoyou;forherehavebeen
Somesixorseven,whodidhidetheirfaces
Evenfromdarkness.
BRUTUS.Kneelnot,gentlePortia.
PORTIA.Ishouldnotneed,ifyouweregentleBrutus.
Withinthebondofmarriage,tellme,Brutus,
Isitexcepted,Ishouldknownosecrets
Thatappertaintoyou?AmIyourself
But,asitwere,insortorlimitation,
Tokeepwithyouatmeals,comfortyourbed,
Andtalktoyousometimes?DwellIbutinthesuburbs
Ofyourgoodpleasure?Ifitbenomore,
PortiaisBrutus’harlot,nothiswife.
BRUTUS.Youaremytrueandhonourablewife,
Asdeartomeasaretheruddydrops
Thatvisitmysadheart.
PORTIA.Ifthisweretrue,thenshouldIknowthissecret.
IgrantIamawoman,but,withal,
AwomanthatLordBrutustooktowife;
IgrantIamawoman,but,withal,
Awomanwell-reputed,Cato’sdaughter.
ThinkyouIamnostrongerthanmysex,
Beingsofather ’dandsohusbanded?
Tellmeyourcounsels,Iwillnotdisclose’em.
Ihavemadestrongproofofmyconstancy,
Givingmyselfavoluntarywound
Here,inthethigh:canIbearthatwithpatience
Andnotmyhusband’ssecrets?
BRUTUS.Oyegods!
Rendermeworthyofthisnoblewife.Knockingwithin
Hark,hark!oneknocks.Portia,goinawhile;
Andbyandbythybosomshallpartake
Thesecretsofmyheart.
AllmyengagementsIwillconstruetothee,
Allthecharacteryofmysadbrows.
Leavemewithhaste.ExitPortia
Lucius,who’sthatknocks?
Re-enterLuciuswithLigarius
LUCIUS.Hereisasickmanthatwouldspeakwithyou.
BRUTUS.CaiusLigarius,thatMetellusspokeof.
Boy,standaside.CaiusLigarius!how?
LIGARIUS.Vouchsafegood-morrowfromafeebletongue.
BRUTUS.O!whatatimehaveyouchoseout,braveCaius,
Towearakerchief.Wouldyouwerenotsick.
LIGARIUS.IamnotsickifBrutushaveinhand
Anyexploitworthythenameofhonour.
BRUTUS.SuchanexploithaveIinhand,Ligarius,
Hadyouahealthfuleartohearofit.
LIGARIUS.ByallthegodsthatRomansbowbefore
Iherediscardmysickness.SoulofRome!
Braveson,deriv’dfromhonourableloins!
Thou,likeanexorcist,hastconjur ’dup
Mymortifiedspirit.Nowbidmerun,
AndIwillstrivewiththingsimpossible;
Yea,getthebetterofthem.What’stodo?
BRUTUS.Apieceofworkthatwillmakesickmenwhole.
LIGARIUS.Butarenotsomewholethatwemustmakesick?
BRUTUS.Thatmustwealso.Whatitis,myCaius,
Ishallunfoldtotheeaswearegoing
Towhomitmustbedone.
LIGARIUS.Setonyourfoot,
Andwithaheartnew-fir ’dIfollowyou,
TodoIknownotwhat;butitsufficeth
ThatBrutusleadsmeon.
BRUTUS.Followmethen.Exeunt
SCENETWO
Cæsar’sHouse.
Thunderandlightning.EnterCæsar,inhisnight-gown
CÆSAR.Norheavennorearthhavebeenatpeaceto-night:
ThricehathCalphurniainhersleepcriedout,
‘Help,ho!TheymurderCaesar!’Who’swithin?
EnteraServant
SERVANT.Mylord!
CÆSAR.Gobidthepriestsdopresentsacrifice,
Andbringmetheiropinionsofsuccess.
SERVANT.Iwill,mylord.Exit
EnterCalphurnia
CALPHURNIA.Whatmeanyou,Cæsar?Thinkyoutowalk
forth?
Youshallnotstiroutofyourhouseto-day.
CÆSAR.Cæsarshallforth:thethingsthatthreaten’dme
Ne’erlook’dbutonmyback;whentheyshallsee
ThefaceofCæsar,theyarevanished.
CALPHURNIA.Cæsar,Ineverstoodonceremonies,
Yetnowtheyfrightme.Thereisonewithin,
Besidesthethingsthatwehaveheardandseen,
Recountsmosthorridsightsseenbythewatch.
Alionesshathwhelpedinthestreets;
Andgraveshaveyawn’d,andyieldeduptheirdead;
Fiercefierywarriorsfoughtupontheclouds,
Inranksandsquadronsandrightformofwar,
WhichdrizzledbloodupontheCapitol;
Thenoiseofbattlehurtledintheair,
Horsesdidneigh,anddyingmendidgroan,
Andghostsdidshriekandsquealaboutthestreets.
OCæsar!thesethingsarebeyondalluse,
AndIdofearthem.
CÆSAR.Whatcanbeavoided
Whoseendispurpos’dbythemightygods?
YetCæsarshallgoforth;forthesepredictions
AretotheworldingeneralastoCæsar.
CALPHURNIA.Whenbeggarsdietherearenocometsseen;
Theheavensthemselvesblazeforththedeathofprinces.
CÆSAR.Cowardsdiemanytimesbeforetheirdeaths:
Thevaliantnevertasteofdeathbutonce.
OfallthewondersthatIyethaveheard,
Itseemstomemoststrangethatmenshouldfear;
Seeingthatdeath,anecessaryend,
Willcomewhenitwillcome.
Re-enterServant
Whatsaytheaugurers?
SERVANT.Theywouldnothaveyoutostirforthto-day.
Pluckingtheentrailsofanofferingforth,
Theycouldnotfindaheartwithinthebeast.
CÆSAR.Thegodsdothisinshameofcowardice:
Cæsarshouldbeabeastwithoutaheart
Ifheshouldstayathometo-dayforfear.
No,Cæsarshallnot;dangerknowsfullwell
ThatCæsarismoredangerousthanhe:
Wearetwolionslitter ’dinoneday,
AndItheelderandmoreterrible:
AndCæsarshallgoforth.
CALPHURNIA.Alas!mylord,
Yourwisdomisconsum’dinconfidence.
Donotgoforthto-day:callitmyfear
Thatkeepsyouinthehouse,andnotyourown.
We’llsendMarkAntonytothesenate-house,
Andheshallsayyouarenotwellto-day:
Letme,uponmyknee,prevailinthis.
CÆSAR.MarkAntonyshallsayIamnotwell;
And,forthyhumour,Iwillstayathome.
EnterDecius
Here’sDeciusBrutus,heshalltellthemso.
DECIUS.Cæsar,allhail!Good-morrow,worthyCæsar:
Icometofetchyoutothesenate-house.
CÆSAR.Andyouarecomeinveryhappytime
Tobearmygreetingtothesenators,
AndtellthemthatIwillnotcometo-day:
Cannot,isfalse,andthatIdarenot,falser;
Iwillnotcometo-day:tellthemso,Decius.
CALPHURNIA.Sayheissick.
CÆSAR.ShallCæsarsendalie?
HaveIinconqueststretch’dminearmsofar
Tobeafeardtotellgreybeardsthetruth?
Decius,gotellthemCæsarwillnotcome.
DECIUS.MostmightyCæsar,letmeknowsomecause,
LestIbelaugh’datwhenItellthemso.
CÆSAR.Thecauseisinmywill:Iwillnotcome;
Thatisenoughtosatisfythesenate:
Butforyourprivatesatisfaction,
BecauseIloveyou,Iwillletyouknow:
Calphurniahere,mywife,staysmeathome:
Shedreamtto-nightshesawmystatua,
Which,likeafountainwithahundredspouts,
Didrunpureblood;andmanylustyRomans
Camesmiling,anddidbathetheirhandsinit:
Andthesedoessheapplyforwarningsandportents,
Andevilsimminent;andonherknee
Hathbegg’dthatIwillstayathometo-day.
DECIUS.Thisdreamisallamissinterpreted;
Itwasavisionfairandfortunate:
Yourstatuespoutingbloodinmanypipes,
InwhichsomanysmilingRomansbath’d,
SignifiesthatfromyougreatRomeshallsuck
Revivingblood,andthatgreatmenshallpress
Fortinctures,stains,relics,andcognizance.
ThisbyCalphurnia’sdreamissignified.
CÆSAR.Andthiswayhaveyouwellexpoundedit.
DECIUS.Ihave,whenyouhaveheardwhatIcansay:
Andknowitnow:thesenatehaveconcluded
TogivethisdayacrowntomightyCæsar.
Ifyoushallsendthemwordyouwillnotcome,
Theirmindsmaychange.Besides,itwereamock
Apttoberender ’d,forsomeonetosay
‘Breakupthesenatetillanothertime,
WhenCæsar ’swifeshallmeetwithbetterdreams.’
IfCæsarhidehimself,shalltheynotwhisper
‘Lo!Cæsarisafraid’?
Pardonme,Cæsar;formydeardearlove
Toyourproceedingbidsmetellyouthis,
Andreasontomyloveisliable.
CÆSAR.Howfoolishdoyourfearsseemnow,Calphurnia!
IamashamedIdidyieldtothem.
Givememyrobe,forIwillgo:
EnterPublius,Brutus,Ligarius,Metellus,Casca,
Trebonius,andCinna
AndlookwherePubliusiscometofetchme.
PUBLIUS.Good-morrow,Cæsar.
CÆSAR.Welcome,Publius.
What!Brutus,areyoustirr ’dsoearlytoo?
Good-morrow,Casca.CaiusLigarius,
Cæsarwasne’ersomuchyourenemy
Asthatsameaguewhichhathmadeyoulean.
Whatis’to’clock?
BRUTUS.Cæsar,’tisstruckeneight.
CÆSAR.Ithankyouforyourpainsandcourtesy.
EnterAntony
See!Antony,thatrevelslongo’nights,
Isnotwithstandingup.Good-morrow,Antony.
ANTONY.SotomostnobleCæsar.
CÆSAR.Bidthempreparewithin:
Iamtoblametobethuswaitedfor.
Now,Cinna;now,Metellus;what,Trebonius!
Ihaveanhour ’stalkinstoreforyou;
Rememberthatyoucallonmeto-day:
Benearme,thatImayrememberyou.
TREBONIUS.Cæsar,Iwill:—(Aside)andsonearwillIbe,
ThatyourbestfriendsshallwishIhadbeenfarther.
CÆSAR.Goodfriends,goin,andtastesomewinewithme;
Andwe,likefriends,willstraightwaygotogether.
BRUTUS.(Aside)Thateverylikeisnotthesame,OCæsar,
TheheartofBrutusyearnstothinkupon.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
AStreetneartheCapitol.
EnterArtemidorus,readingapaper
ARTEMIDORUS.‘Cæsar,bewareofBrutus;takeheedofCassius;comenotnearCasca;haveaneyetoCinna;trust
notTrebonius;markwellMetellusCimber;DeciusBrutus
lovestheenot;thouhastwrongedCaiusLigarius.There
isbutonemindinallthesemen,anditisbentagainst
Cæsar.Ifthoube’stnotimmortal,lookaboutyou:securitygiveswaytoconspiracy.Themightygodsdefendthee!
Thylover,
‘Artemidorus.’
HerewillIstandtillCæsarpassalong,
AndasasuitorwillIgivehimthis.
Myheartlamentsthatvirtuecannotlive
Outoftheteethofemulation.
Ifthoureadthis,OCæsar!thoumaystlive;
Ifnot,theFateswithtraitorsdocontrive.Exit
SCENEFOUR
AnotherPartofthesameStreet,beforetheHouseofBrutus.
EnterPortiaandLucius
PORTIA.Iprithee,boy,runtothesenate-house;
Staynottoanswerme,butgettheegone.
Whydostthoustay?
LUCIUS.Toknowmyerrand,madam.
PORTIA.Iwouldhavehadtheethere,andhereagain,
EreIcantelltheewhatthoushouldstdothere.
Oconstancy!bestronguponmyside;
Setahugemountain’tweenmyheartandtongue;
Ihaveaman’smind,butawoman’smight.
Howharditisforwomentokeepcounsel!
Artthouhereyet?
LUCIUS.Madam,whatshallIdo?
RuntotheCapitol,andnothingelse?
Andsoreturntoyou,andnothingelse?
PORTIA.Yes,bringmeword,boy,ifthylordlookwell,
Forhewentsicklyforth;andtakegoodnote
WhatCæsardoth,whatsuitorspresstohim.
Hark,boy!whatnoiseisthat?
LUCIUS.Ihearnone,madam.
PORTIA.Prithee,listenwell:
Iheardabustlingrumour,likeafray,
AndthewindbringsitfromtheCapitol.
LUCIUS.Sooth,madam,Ihearnothing.
EntertheSoothsayer
PORTIA.Comehither,fellow:whichwayhastthoubeen?
SOOTHSAYER.Atmineownhouse,goodlady.
PORTIA.Whatis’to’clock?
SOOTHSAYER.Abouttheninthhour,lady.
PORTIA.IsCæsaryetgonetotheCapitol?
SOOTHSAYER.Madam,notyet:Igototakemystand,
ToseehimpassontotheCapitol.
PORTIA.ThouhastsomesuittoCæsar,hastthounot?
SOOTHSAYER.ThatIhave,lady:ifitwillpleaseCæsar
TobesogoodtoCæsarastohearme,
Ishallbeseechhimtobefriendhimself.
PORTIA.Why,know’stthouanyharm’sintendedtowards
him?
SOOTHSAYER.NonethatIknowwillbe,muchthatIfear
maychance.
Good-morrowtoyou.Herethestreetisnarrow:
ThethrongthatfollowsCæsarattheheels,
Ofsenators,ofprætors,commonsuitors,
Willcrowdafeeblemanalmosttodeath:
I’llgetmetoaplacemorevoid,andthere
SpeaktogreatCæsarashecomesalong.Exit
PORTIA.Imustgoin.Ayme!howweakathing
Theheartofwomanis.OBrutus!
Theheavensspeedtheeinthineenterprise.
Sure,theboyheardme:Brutushathasuit
ThatCæsarwillnotgrant.O!Igrowfaint.
Run,Lucius,andcommendmetomylord;
SayIammerry:cometomeagain,
Andbringmewordwhathedothsaytothee.
Exeunt,severally
ACTTHREE
SCENEONE
Rome.BeforetheCapitol;theSenatesittingabove.
ACrowdofPeople;amongthemArtemidorusandthe
Soothsayer.Flourish.EnterCæsar,Brutus,Cassius,Casca,
Decius,Metellus,Trebonius,Cinna,Antony,
Lepidus,Popilius,Publius,andOthers
CÆSAR.(TotheSoothsayer)TheidesofMarcharecome.
SOOTHSAYER.Ay,Cæsar,butnotgone.
ARTEMIDORUS.Hail,Cæsar!Readthisschedule.
DECIUS.Treboniusdothdesireyoutoo’er-read,
Atyourbestleisure,thishishumblesuit.
ARTEMIDORUS.OCæsar!readminefirst;formine’sasuit
ThattouchesCæsarnearer.Readit,greatCæsar.
CÆSAR.Whattouchesusourselfshallbelastserv’d.
ARTEMIDORUS.Delaynot,Cæsar;readitinstantly.
CÆSAR.What!isthefellowmad?
PUBLIUS.Sirrah,giveplace.
CÆSAR.What!urgeyouyourpetitionsinthestreet?
CometotheCapitol.
CæsargoesuptotheSenateHouse,therestfollowing.AlltheSenatorsrise
POPILIUS.Iwishyourenterpriseto-daymaythrive.
CASSIUS.Whatenterprise,Popilius?
POPILIUS.Fareyouwell.
AdvancestoCæsar
BRUTUS.WhatsaidPopiliusLena?
CASSIUS.Hewish’dto-dayourenterprisemightthrive.
Ifearourpurposeisdiscovered.
BRUTUS.Look,howhemakestoCæsar:markhim.
CASSIUS.Casca,besudden,forwefearprevention.
Brutus,whatshallbedone?Ifthisbeknown,
CassiusorCæsarnevershallturnback,
ForIwillslaymyself.
BRUTUS.Cassius,beconstant:
PopiliusLenaspeaksnotofourpurposes;
For,look,hesmiles,andCæsardothnotchange.
CASSIUS.Treboniusknowshistime;for,lookyou,Brutus,
HedrawsMarkAntonyoutoftheway.
ExeuntAntonyandTrebonius.
CæsarandtheSenatorstaketheirseats
DECIUS.WhereisMetellusCimber?Lethimgo,
AndpresentlypreferhissuittoCæsar.
BRUTUS.Heisaddress’d;pressnearandsecondhim.
CINNA.Casca,youarethefirstthatrearsyourhand.
CASCA.Areweallready?Whatisnowamiss,
ThatCæsarandhissenatemustredress?
METELLUS.Mosthigh,mostmighty,andmostpuissant
Cæsar,
MetellusCimberthrowsbeforethyseat
Ahumbleheart,—Kneeling
CÆSAR.Imustpreventthee,Cimber.
Thesecouchingsandtheselowlycourtesies,
Mightfirethebloodofordinarymen,
Andturnpre-ordinanceandfirstdecree
Intothelawofchildren.Benotfond,
TothinkthatCæsarbearssuchrebelblood
Thatwillbethaw’dfromthetruequality
Withthatwhichmeltethfools;Imeansweetwords,
Low-crookedcurtsies,andbasespanielfawning.
Thybrotherbydecreeisbanished:
Ifthoudostbendandprayandfawnforhim,
Ispurntheelikeacuroutofmyway.
Know,Cæsardothnotwrong,norwithoutcause
Willhebesatisfied.
METELLUS.Istherenovoicemoreworthythanmyown,
TosoundmoresweetlyingreatCæsar ’sear
Fortherepealingofmybanish’dbrother?
BRUTUS.Ikissthyhand,butnotinflattery,Cæsar;
Desiringthee,thatPubliusCimbermay
Haveanimmediatefreedomofrepeal.
CÆSAR.What,Brutus!
CASSIUS.Pardon,Cæsar;Cæsar,pardon:
AslowastothyfootdothCassiusfall,
TobegenfranchisementforPubliusCimber.
CÆSAR.Icouldbewellmov’difIwereasyou;
IfIcouldpraytomove,prayerswouldmoveme;
ButIamconstantasthenorthernstar,
Ofwhosetruefix’dandrestingquality
Thereisnofellowinthefirmament.
Theskiesarepaintedwithunnumber ’dsparks,
Theyareallfireandeveryonedothshine,
Butthere’sbutoneinalldothholdhisplace:
So,intheworld;’tisfurnish’dwellwithmen,
Andmenarefleshandblood,andapprehensive;
YetinthenumberIdoknowbutone
Thatunassailableholdsonhisrank,
Unshak’dofmotion:andthatIamhe,
Letmealittleshowit,eveninthis,
ThatIwasconstantCimbershouldbebanished,
Andconstantdoremaintokeephimso.
CINNA.OCæsar,—
CÆSAR.Hence!WiltthouliftupOlympus!
DECIUS.GreatCæsar,—
CÆSAR.DothnotBrutusbootlesskneel?
CASCA.Speak,hands,forme!TheystabCæsar
CÆSAR.Ettu,Brute?Thenfall,Cæsar!Dies
CINNA.Liberty!Freedom!Tyrannyisdead!
Runhence,proclaim,cryitaboutthestreets.
CASSIUS.Sometothecommonpulpits,andcryout,
‘Liberty,freedom,andenfranchisement!’
BRUTUS.Peopleandsenators,benotaffrighted;
Flynot;standstill;ambition’sdebtispaid.
CASCA.Gotothepulpit,Brutus.
DECIUS.AndCassiustoo.
BRUTUS.Where’sPublius?
CINNA.Here,quiteconfoundedwiththismutiny.
METELLUS.Standfasttogether,lestsomefriendofCæsar ’s
Shouldchance—
BRUTUS.Talknotofstanding.Publius,goodcheer;
Thereisnoharmintendedtoyourperson,
NortonoRomanelse;sotellthem,Publius.
CASSIUS.Andleaveus,Publius;lestthatthepeople,
Rushingonus,shoulddoyouragesomemischief.
BRUTUS.Doso;andletnomanabidethisdeed
Butwethedoers.
Re-enterTrebonius
CASSIUS.Where’sAntony?
TREBONIUS.Fledtohishouseamaz’d.
Men,wivesandchildrenstare,cryoutandrun
Asitweredoomsday.
BRUTUS.Fates,wewillknowyourpleasures.
Thatweshalldie,weknow;’tisbutthetime
Anddrawingdaysout,thatmenstandupon.
CASCA.Why,hethatcutsofftwentyyearsoflife
Cutsoffsomanyyearsoffearingdeath.
BRUTUS.Grantthat,andthenisdeathabenefit:
SoareweCæsar ’sfriends,thathaveabridg’d
Histimeoffearingdeath.Stoop,Romans,stoop,
AndletusbatheourhandsinCæsar ’sblood
Uptotheelbows,andbesmearourswords:
Thenwalkweforth,eventothemarket-place;
Andwavingourredweaponso’erourheads,
Let’sallcry,‘Peace,freedom,andliberty!’
CASSIUS.Stoop,then,andwash.Howmanyageshence
Shallthisourloftyscenebeactedo’er,
Instatesunbornandaccentsyetunknown!
BRUTUS.HowmanytimesshallCæsarbleedinsport,
ThatnowonPompey’sbasisliesalong
Noworthierthanthedust!
CASSIUS.Sooftasthatshallbe,
Sooftenshalltheknotofusbecall’d
Thementhatgavetheircountryliberty.
DECIUS.What!shallweforth?
CASSIUS.Ay,everymanaway:
Brutusshalllead;andwewillgracehisheels
WiththemostboldestandbestheartsofRome.
EnteraServant
BRUTUS.Soft!whocomeshere?AfriendofAntony’s.
SERVANT.Thus,Brutus,didmymasterbidmekneel;
ThusdidMarkAntonybidmefalldown;
And,beingprostrate,thushemademesay:
Brutusisnoble,wise,valiantandhonest;
Cæsarwasmighty,bold,royal,andloving:
SayIloveBrutus,andIhonourhim;
SayIfear ’dCæsar,honour ’dhim,andlov’dhim.
IfBrutuswillvouchsafethatAntony
Maysafelycometohim,andberesolv’d
HowCæsarhathdeserv’dtolieindeath,
MarkAntonyshallnotloveCæsardead
SowellasBrutusliving;butwillfollow
ThefortunesandaffairsofnobleBrutus
Thoroughthehazardsofthisuntrodstate
Withalltruefaith.SosaysmymasterAntony.
BRUTUS.ThymasterisawiseandvaliantRoman;
Ineverthoughthimworse.
Tellhim,sopleasehimcomeuntothisplace,
Heshallbesatisfied;and,bymyhonour,
Departuntouch’d.
SERVANT.I’llfetchhimpresently.Exit
BRUTUS.Iknowthatweshallhavehimwelltofriend.
CASSIUS.Iwishwemay:butyethaveIamind
Thatfearshimmuch;andmymisgivingstill
Fallsshrewdlytothepurpose.
Re-enterAntony
BRUTUS.ButherecomesAntony.Welcome,MarkAntony.
ANTONY.OmightyCæsar!dostthouliesolow?
Areallthyconquests,glories,triumphs,spoils,
Shrunktothislittlemeasure?Faretheewell.
Iknownot,gentlemen,whatyouintend,
Whoelsemustbeletblood,whoelseisrank:
IfImyself,thereisnohoursofit
AsCæsar ’sdeath’shour,nornoinstrument
Ofhalfthatworthasthoseyourswords,maderich
Withthemostnoblebloodofallthisworld.
Idobeseechye,ifyebearmehard,
Now,whilstyourpurpledhandsdoreekandsmoke,
Fulfilyourpleasure.Liveathousandyears,
Ishallnotfindmyselfsoapttodie:
Noplacewillpleasemeso,nomeanofdeath,
AsherebyCæsar,andbyyoucutoff,
Thechoiceandmasterspiritsofthisage.
BRUTUS.OAntony,begnotyourdeathofus.
Thoughnowwemustappearbloodyandcruel,
As,byourhandsandthisourpresentact,
Youseewedo,yetseeyoubutourhands
Andthisthebleedingbusinesstheyhavedone.
Ourheartsyouseenot;theyarepitiful;
AndpitytothegeneralwrongofRome—
Asfiredrivesoutfire,sopitypity—
HathdonethisdeedonCæsar.Foryourpart,
Toyouourswordshaveleadenpoints,MarkAntony.
Ourarms,instrengthofmalice,andourhearts
Ofbrothers’temper,doreceiveyouin
Withallkindlove,goodthoughts,andreverence.
CASSIUS.Yourvoiceshallbeasstrongasanyman’s
Inthedisposingofnewdignities.
BRUTUS.Onlybepatienttillwehaveappeas’d
Themultitude,besidethemselveswithfear,
Andthenwewilldeliveryouthecause
WhyI,thatdidloveCæsarwhenIstruckhim,
Havethusproceeded.
ANTONY.Idoubtnotofyourwisdom.
Leteachmanrendermehisbloodyhand:
First,MarcusBrutus,willIshakewithyou;
Next,CaiusCassius,doItakeyourhand;
Now,DeciusBrutus,yours;nowyours,Metellus;
Yours,Cinna;and,myvaliantCasca,yours;
Thoughlast,notleastinlove,yours,goodTrebonius.
Gentlemenall,—alas!whatshallIsay?
Mycreditnowstandsonsuchslipperyground,
Thatoneoftwobadwaysyoumustconceitme,
Eitheracowardoraflatterer.
ThatIdidlovethee,Cæsar,O!’tistrue:
Ifthenthyspiritlookuponusnow,
Shallitnotgrievetheedearerthanthydeath,
ToseethyAntonymakinghispeace,
Shakingthebloodyfingersofthyfoes,
Mostnoble!inthepresenceofthycorse?
HadIasmanyeyesasthouhastwounds,
Weepingasfastastheystreamforththyblood,
Itwouldbecomemebetterthantoclose
Intermsoffriendshipwiththineenemies.
Pardonme,Julius!Herewastthoubay’d,bravehart;
Heredidstthoufall;andherethyhuntersstand,
Sign’dinthyspoil,andcrimson’dinthylethe.
Oworld!thouwasttheforesttothishart;
Andthis,indeed,Oworld!theheartofthee.
Howlikeadeer,struckenbymanyprinces,
Dostthouherelie!
CASSIUS.MarkAntony,—
ANTONY.Pardonme,CaiusCassius:
TheenemiesofCæsarshallsaythis;
Then,inafriend,itiscoldmodesty.
CASSIUS.IblameyounotforpraisingCæsarso;
Butwhatcompactmeanyoutohavewithus?
Willyoubeprick’dinnumberofourfriends,
Orshallweon,andnotdependonyou?
ANTONY.ThereforeItookyourhands,butwasindeed
Sway’dfromthepointbylookingdownonCæsar.
FriendsamIwithyouall,andloveyouall,
Uponthishope,thatyoushallgivemereasons
WhyandwhereinCæsarwasdangerous.
BRUTUS.Orelsewerethisasavagespectacle.
Ourreasonsaresofullofgoodregard
Thatwereyou,Antony,thesonofCæsar,
Youshouldbesatisfied.
ANTONY.That’sallIseek:
AndammoreoversuitorthatImay
Producehisbodytothemarket-place;
Andinthepulpit,asbecomesafriend,
Speakintheorderofhisfuneral.
BRUTUS.Youshall,MarkAntony.
CASSIUS.Brutus,awordwithyou.
(AsidetoBrutus)Youknownotwhatyoudo;donot
consent
ThatAntonyspeakinhisfuneral:
Knowyouhowmuchthepeoplemaybemov’d
Bythatwhichhewillutter?
BRUTUS.Byyourpardon;
Iwillmyselfintothepulpitfirst,
AndshowthereasonofourCæsar ’sdeath:
WhatAntonyshallspeak,Iwillprotest
Hespeaksbyleaveandbypermission,
AndthatwearecontentedCæsarshall
Havealltrueritesandlawfulceremonies.
Itshalladvantagemorethandouswrong.
CASSIUS.Iknownotwhatmayfall;Ilikeitnot.
BRUTUS.MarkAntony,here,takeyouCæsar ’sbody.
Youshallnotinyourfuneralspeechblameus,
ButspeakallgoodyoucandeviseofCæsar,
Andsayyoudo’tbyourpermission;
Elseshallyounothaveanyhandatall
Abouthisfuneral;andyoushallspeak
InthesamepulpitwheretoIamgoing,
Aftermyspeechisended.
ANTONY.Beitso;
Idodesirenomore.
BRUTUS.Preparethebodythen,andfollowus.
ExeuntallbutAntony
ANTONY.O!pardonme,thoubleedingpieceofearth,
ThatIammeekandgentlewiththesebutchers;
Thouarttheruinsofthenoblestman
Thateverlivedinthetideoftimes.
Woetothehandthatshedthiscostlyblood!
OverthywoundsnowdoIprophesy,
Whichlikedumbmouthsdoopetheirrubylips
Tobegthevoiceandutteranceofmytongue,
Acurseshalllightuponthelimbsofmen;
Domesticfuryandfiercecivilstrife
ShallcumberallthepartsofItaly;
Bloodanddestructionshallbesoinuse,
Anddreadfulobjectssofamiliar,
Thatmothersshallbutsmilewhentheybehold
Theirinfantsquarter ’dwiththehandsofwar;
Allpitychok’dwithcustomoffelldeeds:
AndCæsar ’sspirit,rangingforrevenge,
WithAtebyhissidecomehotfromhell,
Shallintheseconfineswithamonarch’svoice
Cry‘Havoc!’andletslipthedogsofwar;
Thatthisfouldeedshallsmellabovetheearth
Withcarrionmen,groaningforburial.
EnteraServant
YouserveOctaviusCæsar,doyounot?
SERVANT.Ido,MarkAntony.
ANTONY.CæsardidwriteforhimtocometoRome.
SERVANT.Hedidreceivehisletters,andiscoming;
Andbidmesaytoyoubywordofmouth—
Seeingthebody
OCæsar!—
ANTONY.Thyheartisbig,gettheeapartandweep.
Passion,Isee,iscatching;formineeyes,
Seeingthosebeadsofsorrowstandinthine,
Begantowater.Isthymastercoming?
SERVANT.Heliesto-nightwithinsevenleaguesofRome.
ANTONY.Postbackwithspeed,andtellhimwhathath
chanc’d:
HereisamourningRome,adangerousRome,
NoRomeofsafetyforOctaviusyet;
Hiehenceandtellhimso.Yet,stayawhile;
ThoushaltnotbacktillIhavebornethiscorpse
Intothemarket-place;thereshallItry,
Inmyoration,howthepeopletake
Thecruelissueofthesebloodymen;
Accordingtothewhichthoushaltdiscourse
ToyoungOctaviusofthestateofthings.
Lendmeyourhand.Exeunt,withCæsar’sbody
SCENETWO
TheForum.
EnterBrutusandCassius,andathrongofCitizens
CITIZENS.Wewillbesatisfied:letusbesatisfied.
BRUTUS.Thenfollowme,andgivemeaudience,friends.
Cassius,goyouintotheotherstreet,
Andpartthenumbers.
Thosethatwillhearmespeak,let’emstayhere;
ThosethatwillfollowCassius,gowithhim;
Andthepublicreasonsshallberendered
OfCæsar ’sdeath.
FIRSTCITIZEN .IwillhearBrutusspeak.
SECONDCITIZEN .IwillhearCassius;andcomparetheir
reasons,
Whenseverallywehearthemrendered.
ExitCassius,withsome
oftheCitizens;Brutusgoesintothepulpit
THIRDCITIZEN .ThenobleBrutusisascended:silence!
BRUTUS.Bepatienttillthelast.
Romans,countrymen,andlovers!hearmeformycause;
andbesilent,thatyoumayhear:believemeformine
honour,andhaverespecttominehonour,thatyoumay
believe:censuremeinyourwisdom,andawakeyour
senses,thatyoumaythebetterjudge.Iftherebeanyin
thisassembly,anydearfriendofCæsar ’s,tohimIsay,
thatBrutus’lovetoCæsarwasnolessthanhis.Ifthen
thatfrienddemandwhyBrutusroseagainstCæsar,this
ismyanswer:NotthatIlovedCæsarless,butthatI
lovedRomemore.HadyouratherCæsarwereliving,
anddieallslaves,thanthatCæsarweredead,toliveall
freemen?AsCæsarlovedme,Iweepforhim;ashewas
fortunate,Irejoiceatit;ashewasvaliant,Ihonourhim;
but,ashewasambitious,Islewhim.Thereistearsfor
hislove;joyforhisfortune;honourforhisvalour;and
deathforhisambition.Whoisheresobasethatwould
beabondman?Ifany,speak;forhimhaveIoffended.
WhoisheresorudethatwouldnotbeaRoman?Ifany,
speak;forhimhaveIoffended.Whoisheresovilethat
willnotlovehiscountry?Ifany,speak;forhimhaveI
offended.Ipauseforareply.
CITIZENS.None,Brutus,none.
BRUTUS.ThennonehaveIoffended.Ihavedonenomore
toCæsar,thanyoushalldotoBrutus.Thequestionof
hisdeathisenrolledintheCapitol;hisglorynotextenuated,whereinhewasworthy,norhisoffencesenforced,
forwhichhesuffereddeath.
EnterAntonyandOthers,withCæsar’sbody
Herecomeshisbody,mournedbyMarkAntony:
who,thoughhehadnohandinhisdeath,shallreceivethe
benefitofhisdying,aplaceinthecommonwealth;as
whichofyoushallnot?WiththisIdepart:that,asI
slewmybestloverforthegoodofRome,Ihavethe
samedaggerformyself,whenitshallpleasemycountry
toneedmydeath.
CITIZENS.Live,Brutus!live!live!
FIRSTCITIZEN .Bringhimwithtriumphhomeuntohis
house.
SECONDCITIZEN .Givehimastatuewithhisancestors.
THIRDCITIZEN .LethimbeCæsar.
FOURTHCITIZEN .Cæsar ’sbetterparts
Shallbecrown’dinBrutus.
FIRSTCITIZEN .We’llbringhimtohishousewithshouts
andclamours.
BRUTUS.Mycountrymen,—
SECONDCITIZEN .Peace!silence!Brutusspeaks.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Peace,ho!
BRUTUS.Goodcountrymen,letmedepartalone,
And,formysake,stayherewithAntony.
DogracetoCæsar ’scorpse,andgracehisspeech
TendingtoCæsar ’sglories,whichMarkAntony,
Byourpermission,isallow’dtomake.
Idoentreatyou,notamandepart,
SaveIalone,tillAntonyhavespoke.Exit
FIRSTCITIZEN .Stay,ho!andletushearMarkAntony.
THIRDCITIZEN .Lethimgoupintothepublicchair;
We’llhearhim.NobleAntony,goup.
ANTONY.ForBrutus’sake,Iambeholdingtoyou.Goesup
FOURTHCITIZEN .WhatdoeshesayofBrutus?
THIRDCITIZEN .Hesays,forBrutus’sake,
Hefindshimselfbeholdingtousall.
FOURTHCITIZEN .’TwerebesthespeaknoharmofBrutus
here.
FIRSTCITIZEN .ThisCæsarwasatyrant.
THIRDCITIZEN .Nay,that’scertain:
Wearebless’dthatRomeisridofhim.
SECONDCITIZEN .Peace!letushearwhatAntonycansay.
ANTONY.YougentleRomans,—
CITIZENS.Peace,ho!letushearhim.
ANTONY.Friends,Romans,countrymen,lendmeyourears;
IcometoburyCæsar,nottopraisehim.
Theevilthatmendolivesafterthem,
Thegoodisoftinterredwiththeirbones;
SoletitbewithCæsar.ThenobleBrutus
HathtoldyouCæsarwasambitious;
Ifitwereso,itwasagrievousfault,
AndgrievouslyhathCæsaranswer ’dit.
Here,underleaveofBrutusandtherest,—
ForBrutusisanhonourableman;
Soaretheyall,allhonourablemen,—
ComeItospeakinCæsar ’sfuneral.
Hewasmyfriend,faithfulandjusttome:
ButBrutussayshewasambitious;
AndBrutusisanhonourableman.
HehathbroughtmanycaptiveshometoRome
Whoseransomsdidthegeneralcoffersfill:
DidthisinCæsarseemambitious?
Whenthatthepoorhavecried,Cæsarhathwept;
Ambitionshouldbemadeofsternerstuff:
YetBrutussayshewasambitious;
AndBrutusisanhonourableman.
YoualldidseethatontheLupercal
Ithricepresentedhimakinglycrown,
Whichhedidthricerefuse:wasthisambition?
YetBrutussayshewasambitious;
And,sure,heisanhonourableman.
IspeaknottodisprovewhatBrutusspoke,
ButhereIamtospeakwhatIdoknow.
Youalldidlovehimonce,notwithoutcause:
Whatcausewithholdsyouthentomournforhim?
Ojudgment!thouartfledtobrutishbeasts,
Andmenhavelosttheirreason.Bearwithme.
MyheartisinthecoffintherewithCæsar,
AndImustpausetillitcomebacktome.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Methinksthereismuchreasoninhissay-
ings.
SECONDCITIZEN .Ifthouconsiderrightlyofthematter,
Cæsarhashadgreatwrong.
THIRDCITIZEN .Hashe,masters?
Ifeartherewillaworsecomeinhisplace.
FOURTHCITIZEN .Mark’dyehiswords?Hewouldnottake
thecrown;
Therefore’tiscertainhewasnotambitious.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Ifitbefoundso,somewilldearabideit.
SECONDCITIZEN .Poorsoul!hiseyesareredasfirewith
weeping.
THIRDCITIZEN .There’snotanoblermaninRome
thanAntony.
FOURTHCITIZEN .Nowmarkhim;hebeginsagaintospeak.
ANTONY.ButyesterdaythewordofCæsarmight
Havestoodagainsttheworld;nowlieshethere,
Andnonesopoortodohimreverence.
Omasters!ifIweredispos’dtostir
Yourheartsandmindstomutinyandrage,
IshoulddoBrutuswrong,andCassiuswrong,
Who,youallknow,arehonourablemen.
Iwillnotdothemwrong;Iratherchoose
Towrongthedead,towrongmyself,andyou,
ThanIwillwrongsuchhonourablemen.
Buthere’saparchmentwiththesealofCæsar;
Ifounditinhiscloset,’tishiswill.
Letbutthecommonshearthistestament—
Which,pardonme,Idonotmeantoread—
AndtheywouldgoandkissdeadCæsar ’swounds,
Anddiptheirnapkinsinhissacredblood,
Yea,begahairofhimformemory.
And,dying,mentionitwithintheirwills,
Bequeathingitasarichlegacy
Untotheirissue.
FOURTHCITIZEN .We’llhearthewill:readit,MarkAntony.
CITIZENS.Thewill,thewill!wewillhearCæsar ’swill.
ANTONY.Havepatience,gentlefriends;Imustnotreadit:
ItisnotmeetyouknowhowCæsarlov’dyou.
Youarenotwood,youarenotstones,butmen;
And,beingmen,hearingthewillofCæsar,
Itwillinflameyou,itwillmakeyoumad.
’Tisgoodyouknownotthatyouarehisheirs;
Forifyoushould,O!whatwouldcomeofit.
FOURTHCITIZEN .Readthewill!we’llhearit,Antony;
Youshallreadusthewill,Cæsar ’swill.
ANTONY.Willyoubepatient?Willyoustayawhile?
Ihaveo’ershotmyselftotellyouofit.
IfearIwrongthehonourablemen
Whosedaggershavestabb’dCæsar;Idofearit.
FOURTHCITIZEN .Theyweretraitors:honourablemen!
CITIZENS.Thewill!thetestament!
SECONDCITIZEN .Theywerevillains,murderers.Thewill!
readthewill.
ANTONY.Youwillcompelmethentoreadthewill?
ThenmakearingaboutthecorpseofCæsar,
Andletmeshowyouhimthatmadethewill.
ShallIdescend?andwillyougivemeleave?
CITIZENS.Comedown.
SECONDCITIZEN .Descend.Antonycomesdown
THIRDCITIZEN .Youshallhaveleave.
FOURTHCITIZEN .Aring;standround.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Standfromthehearse;standfromthebody.
SECONDCITIZEN .RoomforAntony;mostnobleAntony.
ANTONY.Nay,pressnotsouponme;standfaroff.
CITIZENS.Standback!room!bearback!
ANTONY.Ifyouhavetears,preparetoshedthemnow.
Youalldoknowthismantle:Iremember
ThefirsttimeeverCæsarputiton;
’Twasonasummer ’sevening,inhistent,
ThatdayheovercametheNervii.
Look!inthisplaceranCassius’daggerthrough:
SeewhatarenttheenviousCascamade:
Throughthisthewell-belovedBrutusstabb’d;
And,ashepluck’shiscursedsteelaway,
MarkhowthebloodofCæsarfollow’dit,
Asrushingoutofdoors,toberesolv’d
IfBrutussounkindlyknock’dorno;
ForBrutus,asyouknow,wasCæsar ’sangel:
Judge,Oyougods!howdearlyCæsarlov’dhim.
Thiswasthemostunkindestcutofall;
ForwhenthenobleCæsarsawhimstab,
Ingratitude,morestrongthantraitors’arms,
Quitevanquish’dhim:thenbursthismightyheart;
And,inhismantlemufflinguphisface,
EvenatthebaseofPompey’sstatua,
Whichallthewhileranblood,greatCæsarfell.
O!whatafallwasthere,mycountrymen;
ThenI,andyou,andallofusfelldown,
Whilstbloodytreasonflourish’doverus.
O!nowyouweep,andIperceiveyoufeel
Thedintofpity;thesearegraciousdrops.
Kindsouls,what!weepyouwhenyoubutbehold
OurCæsar ’svesturewounded?Lookyouhere,
Hereishimself,marr ’d,asyousee,withtraitors.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Opiteousspectacle!
SECONDCITIZEN .OnobleCæsar!
THIRDCITIZEN .Owoefulday!
FOURTHCITIZEN .Otraitors!villains!
FIRSTCITIZEN .Omostbloodysight!
SECONDCITIZEN .Wewillberevenged.
CITIZENS.Revenge!—About!—Seek!—Burn!
Fire!—Kill!—Slay!Letnotatraitorlive.
ANTONY.Stay,countrymen!
FIRSTCITIZEN .Peacethere!HearthenobleAntony.
SECONDCITIZEN .We’llhearhim,we’llfollowhim,we’lldie
forhim.
ANTONY.Goodfriends,sweetfriends,letmenotstiryouup
Tosuchasuddenfloodofmutiny.
Theythathavedonethisdeedarehonourable:
Whatprivategriefstheyhave,alas!Iknownot,
Thatmadethemdoit;theyarewiseandhonourable,
Andwill,nodoubt,withreasonsansweryou.
Icomenot,friends,tostealawayyourhearts:
Iamnoorator,asBrutusis;
But,asyouknowmeall,aplainbluntman,
Thatlovemyfriend;andthattheyknowfullwell
Thatgavemepublicleavetospeakofhim.
ForIhaveneitherwit,norwords,norworth,
Action,norutterance,northepowerofspeech,
Tostirmen’sblood:Ionlyspeakrighton;
Itellyouthatwhichyouyourselvesdoknow,
ShowyousweetCæsar ’swounds,poorpoordumb
mouths,
Andbidthemspeakforme:butwereIBrutus,
AndBrutusAntony,therewereanAntony
Wouldruffleupyourspirits,andputatongue
IneverywoundofCæsar,thatshouldmove
ThestonesofRometoriseandmutiny.
CITIZENS.We’llmutiny.
FIRSTCITIZEN .We’llburnthehouseofBrutus.
THIRDCITIZEN .Away,then!come,seektheconspirators.
ANTONY.Yethearme,countrymen;yethearmespeak.
CITIZENS.Peace,ho!—HearAntony,—mostnobleAntony.
ANTONY.Why,friends,yougotodoyouknownotwhat.
WhereinhathCæsarthusdeserv’dyourloves?
Alas!youknownot:Imusttellyouthen.
YouhaveforgotthewillItoldyouof.
CITIZENS.Mosttrue.Thewill!let’sstayandhearthewill.
ANTONY.Hereisthewill,andunderCæsar ’sseal.
ToeveryRomancitizenhegives,
Toeveryseveralman,seventy-fivedrachmas.
SECONDCITIZEN .MostnobleCaesar!we’llrevengehisdeath.
THIRDCITIZEN .OroyalCæsar!
ANTONY.Hearmewithpatience.
CITIZENS.Peace,ho!
ANTONY.Moreover,hehathleftyouallhiswalks,
Hisprivatearbours,andnew-plantedorchards,
OnthissideTiber;hehathleftthemyou,
Andtoyourheirsforever;commonpleasures,
Towalkabroad,andrecreateyourselves.
HerewasaCæsar!whencomessuchanother?
FIRSTCITIZEN .Never,never!Come,away,away!
We’llburnhisbodyintheholyplace,
Andwiththebrandsfirethetraitors’houses.
Takeupthebody.
SECONDCITIZEN .Gofetchfire.
THIRDCITIZEN .Pluckdownbenches.
FOURTHCITIZEN .Pluckdownforms,windows,anything.
ExeuntCitizens,withthebody
ANTONY.Nowletitwork:mischief,thouartafoot,
Takethouwhatcoursethouwilt!
EnteraServant
Hownow,fellow!
SERVANT.Sir,OctaviusisalreadycometoRome.
ANTONY.Whereishe?
SERVANT.HeandLepidusareatCæsar ’shouse.
ANTONY.AndthitherwillIstraighttovisithim.
Hecomesuponawish.Fortuneismerry,
Andinthismoodwillgiveusanything.
SERVANT.IheardhimsayBrutusandCassius
AreridlikemadmenthroughthegatesofRome.
ANTONY.Beliketheyhadsomenoticeofthepeople,
HowIhadmov’dthem.BringmetoOctavius.
Exeunt
SCENETHREE
AStreet.
EnterCinna,thePoet
CINNA.Idreamtto-nightthatIdidfeastwithCæsar.
Andthingsunluckychargemyfantasy:
Ihavenowilltowanderforthofdoors,
Yetsomethingleadsmeforth.
EnterCitizens
FIRSTCITIZEN .Whatisyourname?
SECONDCITIZEN .Whitherareyougoing?
THIRDCITIZEN .Wheredoyoudwell?
FOURTHCITIZEN .Areyouamarriedman,orabachelor?
SECONDCITIZEN .Answereverymandirectly.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Ay,andbriefly.
FOURTHCITIZEN .Ay,andwisely.
THIRDCITIZEN .Ay,andtruly,youwerebest.
CINNA.Whatismyname?WhitheramIgoing?Wheredo
Idwell?AmIamarriedman,orabachelor?Then,toanswereverymandirectlyandbriefly,wiselyandtruly:
wiselyIsay,Iamabachelor.
SECONDCITIZEN .That’sasmuchastosay,theyarefools
thatmarry;you’llbearmeabangforthat,Ifear.Proceed;directly.
CINNA.Directly,IamgoingtoCæsar ’sfuneral.
FIRSTCITIZEN .Asafriendoranenemy?
CINNA.Asafriend.
SECONDCITIZEN .Thatmatterisanswereddirectly.
FOURTHCITIZEN .Foryourdwelling,briefly.
CINNA.Briefly,IdwellbytheCapitol.
THIRDCITIZEN .Yourname,sir,truly.
CINNA.Truly,mynameisCinna.
SECONDCITIZEN .Tearhimtopieces;he’saconspirator.
CINNA.IamCinnathepoet,IamCinnathepoet.
FOURTHCITIZEN .Tearhimforhisbadverses,tearhimfor
hisbadverses.
CINNA.IamnotCinnatheconspirator.
SECONDCITIZEN .Itisnomatter,hisname’sCinna;pluck
buthisnameoutofhisheart,andturnhimgoing.
THIRDCITIZEN .Tearhim,tearhim!Come,brands,ho!fire-
brands!ToBrutus’,toCassius’;burnall.SometoDecius’
house,andsometoCasca’s;sometoLigarius’.Away!go!
Exeunt
ACTFOUR
SCENEONE
Rome.ARoominAntony’sHouse.
Antony,Octavius,andLepidus,seatedatatable
ANTONY.Thesemanythenshalldie;theirnamesareprick’d.
OCTAVIUS.Yourbrothertoomustdie;consentyou,Lepidus?
LEPIDUS.Idoconsent.
OCTAVIUS.Prickhimdown,Antony.
LEPIDUS.UponconditionPubliusshallnotlive,
Whoisyoursister ’sson,MarkAntony.
ANTONY.Heshallnotlive;look,withaspotIdamnhim.
But,Lepidus,goyoutoCæsar ’shouse;
Fetchthewillhither,andweshalldetermine
Howtocutoffsomechargeinlegacies.
LEPIDUS.What!shallIfindyouhere?
OCTAVIUS.OrhereorattheCapitol.ExitLepidus
ANTONY.Thisisaslightunmeritableman,
Meettobesentonerrands:isitfit,
Thethree-foldworlddivided,heshouldstand
Oneofthethreetoshareit?
OCTAVIUS.Soyouthoughthim;
Andtookhisvoicewhoshouldbeprick’dtodie,
Inourblacksentenceandproscription.
ANTONY.Octavius,Ihaveseenmoredaysthanyou:
Andthoughwelaythesehonoursonthisman,
Toeaseourselvesofdiversslanderousloads,
Heshallbutbearthemastheassbearsgold,
Togroanandsweatunderthebusiness,
Eitherledordriven,aswepointtheway;
Andhavingbroughtourtreasurewherewewill,
Thentakewedownhisload,andturnhimoff,
Liketotheemptyass,toshakehisears,
Andgrazeincommons.
OCTAVIUS.Youmaydoyourwill:
Buthe’satriedandsoldier.
ANTONY.Soismyhorse,Octavius;andforthat
Idoappointhimstoreofprovender.
ItisacreaturethatIteachtofight,
Towind,tostop,torundirectlyon,
Hiscorporalmotiongovern’dbymyspirit.
And,insometaste,isLepidusbutso:
Hemustbetaught,andtrain’d,andbidgoforth;
Abarren-spiritedfellow;onethatfeeds
Onabjectorts,andimitations,
Which,outofuseandstal’dbyothermen,
Beginhisfashion:donottalkofhim
Butasaproperty.Andnow,Octavius,
Listengreatthings:BrutusandCassius
Arelevyingpowers;wemuststraightmakehead;
Thereforeletouralliancebecombin’d,
Ourbestfriendsmade,andourbestmeansstretch’dout;
Andletuspresentlygositincouncil,
Howcovertmattersmaybebestdisclos’d,
Andopenperilssurestanswered.
OCTAVIUS.Letusdoso:forweareatthestake,
Andbay’daboutwithmanyenemies;
Andsomethatsmilehaveintheirhearts,Ifear,
Millionsofmischiefs.Exeunt
SCENETWO
CampnearSardis.BeforeBrutus’Tent.
Drum.EnterBrutus,Lucilius,Lucius,andSoldiers;
TitiniusandPindarusmeetthem
BRUTUS.Stand,ho!
LUCILIUS.Givetheword,ho!andstand.
BRUTUS.Whatnow,Lucilius!isCassiusnear?
LUCILIUS.Heisathand;andPindarusiscome
Todoyousalutationfromhismaster.
PindarusgivesalettertoBrutus
BRUTUS.Hegreetsmewell.Yourmaster,Pindarus,
Inhisownchange,orbyillofficers,
Hathgivenmesomeworthycausetowish
Thingsdone,undone;but,ifhebeathand,
Ishallbesatisfied.
PINDARUS.Idonotdoubt
Butthatmynoblemasterwillappear
Suchasheis,fullofregardandhonour.
BRUTUS.Heisnotdoubted.Aword,Lucilius;
Howhereceiv’dyou,letmeberesolv’d.
LUCILIUS.Withcourtesyandwithrespectenough;
Butnotwithsuchfamiliarinstances,
Norwithsuchfreeandfriendlyconference,
Ashehathus’dofold.
BRUTUS.Thouhastdeserib’d
Ahotfriendcooling.Evernote,Lucilius,
Whenlovebeginstosickenanddecay,
Itusethanenforcedceremony.
Therearenotricksinplainandsimplefaith;
Buthollowmen,likehorseshotathand,
Makegallantshowandpromiseoftheirmettle;
Butwhentheyshouldendurethebloodyspur,
Theyfalltheircrests,and,likedeceitfuljades,
Sinkinthetrial.Comeshisarmyon?
LUCILIUS.TheymeanthisnightinSardistobequarter ’d;
Thegreaterpart,thehorseingeneral,
ArecomewithCassius.
BRUTUS.Hark!heisarriv’d.
Lowmarchwithin
Marchgentlyontomeethim.
EnterCassiusandSoldiers
CASSIUS.Stand,ho!
BRUTUS.Stand,ho!Speakthewordalong.
FIRSTSOLDIER.Stand!
SECONDSOLDIER.Stand!
THIRDSOLDIER.Stand!
CASSIUS.Mostnoblebrother,youhavedonemewrong.
BRUTUS.Judgeme,yougods!WrongImineenemies?
And,ifnotso,howshouldIwrongabrother?
CASSIUS.Brutus,thissoberformofyourshideswrongs;
Andwhenyoudothem—
BRUTUS.Cassius,becontent;
Speakyourgriefssoftly:Idoknowyouwell.
Beforetheeyesofbothourarmieshere,
Whichshouldperceivenothingbutlovefromus,
Letusnotwrangle:bidthemmoveaway;
Theninmytent,Cassius,enlargeyourgriefs,
AndIwillgiveyouaudience.
CASSIUS.Pindarus,
Bidourcommandersleadtheirchargesoff
Alittlefromthisground.
BRUTUS.Lucilius,doyouthelike;andletnoman
Cometoourtenttillwehavedoneourconference.
LetLuciusandTitiniusguardourdoor.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
WithintheTentofBrutus.
EnterBrutusandCassius
CASSIUS.Thatyouhavewrong’dmedothappearinthis:
Youhavecondemn’dandnotedLuciusPella
FortakingbribeshereoftheSardians;
Whereinmyletters,prayingonhisside,
BecauseIknewtheman,wereslightedoff.
BRUTUS.Youwrong’dyourselftowriteinsuchacase.
CASSIUS.Insuchatimeasthisitisnotmeet
Thateveryniceoffenceshouldbearhiscomment.
BRUTUS.Letmetellyou,Cassius,youyourself
Aremuchcondemn’dtohaveanitchingpalm;
Tosellandmartyourofficesforgold
Toundeservers.
CASSIUS.Ianitchingpalm!
YouknowthatyouareBrutusthatspeakthis,
Or,bythegods,thisspeechwereelseyourlast.
BRUTUS.ThenameofCassiushonoursthiscorruption,
Andchastisementdoththereforehidehishead.
CASSIUS.Chastisement!
BRUTUS.RememberMarch,theidesofMarchremember:
DidnotgreatJuliusbleedforjustice’sake?
Whatvillaintouch’dhisbody,thatdidstab,
Andnotforjustice?What!shalloneofus,
Thatstrucktheforemostmanofallthisworld
Butforsupportingrobbers,shallwenow
Contaminateourfingerswithbasebribes,
Andsellthemightyspaceofourlargehonours
Forsomuchtrashasmaybegraspedthus?
Ihadratherbeadog,andbaythemoon,
ThansuchaRoman.
CASSIUS.Brutus,baynotme;
I’llnotendureit:youforgetyourself,
Tohedgemein.Iamasoldier,I,
Olderinpractice,ablerthanyourself
Tomakeconditions.
BRUTUS.Goto;youarenot,Cassius.
CASSIUS.Iam.
BRUTUS.Isayyouarenot.
CASSIUS.Urgemenomore,Ishallforgetmyself;
Haveminduponyourhealth;temptmenofurther.
BRUTUS.Away,slightman!
CASSIUS.It’spossible?
BRUTUS.Hearme,forIwillspeak.
MustIgivewayandroomtoyourrashcholer?
ShallIbefrightedwhenamadmanstares?
CASSIUS.Oyegods!yegods!MustIendureallthis?
BRUTUS.Allthis!ay,more:frettillyourproudheartbreak;
Goshowyourslaveshowcholericyouare,
Andmakeyourbondmentremble.MustIbudge?
MustIobserveyou?MustIstandandcrouch
Underyourtestyhumour?Bythegods,
Youshalldigestthevenomofyourspleen,
Thoughitdosplityou;for,fromthisdayforth,
I’lluseyouformymirth,yea,formylaughter,
Whenyouarewaspish.
CASSIUS.Isitcometothis?
BRUTUS.Yousayyouareabettersoldier:
Letitappearso;makeyourvauntingtrue,
Anditshallpleasemewell.Formineownpart,
Ishallbegladtolearnofnoblemen.
CASSIUS.Youwrongmeeveryway;youwrongme,Brutus;
Isaidaneldersoldier,notabetter:
DidIsay‘better ’?
BRUTUS.Ifyoudid,Icarenot.
CASSIUS.WhenCæsarliv’d,hedurstnotthushavemov’d
me.
BRUTUS.Peace,peace!youdurstnotsohavetemptedhim.
CASSIUS.Idurstnot!
BRUTUS.No.
CASSIUS.What!durstnottempthim!
BRUTUS.Foryourlifeyoudurstnot.
CASSIUS.Donotpresumetoomuchuponmylove;
ImaydothatIshallbesorryfor.
BRUTUS.Youhavedonethatyoushouldbesorryfor.
Thereisnoterror,Cassius,inyourthreats;
ForIamarm’dsostronginhonesty
Thattheypassbymeastheidlewind,
WhichIrespectnot.Ididsendtoyou
Forcertainsumsofgold,whichyoudeniedme;
ForIcanraisenomoneybyvilemeans:
Byheaven,Ihadrathercoinmyheart,
Anddropmybloodfordrachmas,thantowring
Fromthehardhandsofpeasantstheirviletrash
Byanydirection.Ididsend
Toyouforgoldtopaymylegions,
Whichyoudeniedme:wasthatdonelikeCassius?
ShouldIhaveanswer ’dCaiusCassiusso?
WhenMarcusBrutusgrowssocovetous,
Tolocksuchrascalcountersfromhisfriends,
Beready,gods,withallyourthunderbolts;
Dashhimtopieces!
CASSIUS.Ideniedyounot.
BRUTUS.Youdid.
CASSIUS.Ididnot:hewasbutafool
Thatbroughtmyanswerback.Brutushathriv’dmy
heart.
Afriendshouldbearhisfriend’sinfirmities,
ButBrutusmakesminegreaterthantheyare.
BRUTUS.Idonot,tillyoupractisethemonme.
CASSIUS.Youlovemenot.
BRUTUS.Idonotlikeyourfaults.
CASSIUS.Afriendlyeyecouldneverseesuchfaults.
BRUTUS.Aflatterer ’swouldnot,thoughtheydoappear
AshugeashighOlympus.
CASSIUS.Come,Antony,andyoungOctavius,come,
RevengeyourselvesaloneonCassius,
ForCassiusisawearyoftheworld;
Hatedbyoneheloves;brav’dbyhisbrother;
Check’dlikeabondman;allhisfaultsobserv’d,
Setinanote-book,learn’d,andconn’dbyrote,
Tocastintomyteeth.O!Icouldweep
Myspiritfrommineeyes.Thereismydagger,
Andheremynakedbreast;within,aheart
DearerthanPlutus’mine,richerthangold:
Ifthatthoube’staRoman,takeitforth;
I,thatdeniedthegold,willgivemyheart:
Strike,asthoudidstatCæsar;for,Iknow,
Whenthoudidsthatehimworst,thoulov’dsthimbetter
Thaneverthoulov’dstCassius.
BRUTUS.Sheatheyourdagger:
Beangrywhenyouwill,itshallhavescope;
Dowhatyouwill,dishonourshallbehumour.
OCassius!youareyokedwithalamb
Thatcarriesangerastheflintbearsfire,
Who,muchenforced,showsahastyspark,
Andstraightiscoldagain.
CASSIUS.HathCassiusliv’d
TobebutmirthandlaughtertohisBrutus,
Whengriefandbloodill-temper ’dvexethhim?
BRUTUS.WhenIspokethatIwasill-temper ’dtoo.
CASSIUS.Doyouconfesssomuch?Givemeyourhand.
BRUTUS.Andmyhearttoo.
CASSIUS.OBrutus!
BRUTUS.What’sthematter?
CASSIUS.Havenotyouloveenoughtobearwithme,
Whenthatrashhumourwhichmymothergaveme
Makesmeforgetful?
BRUTUS.Yes,Cassius;andfromhenceforth
Whenyouareover-earnestwithyourBrutus,
He’llthinkyourmotherchides,andleaveyouso.
Noisewithin
POET.(Within)Letmegointoseethegenerals;
Thereissomegrudgebetween’em,’tisnotmeet
Theybealone.
LUCILIUS.(Within)Youshallnotcometothem.
POET.(Within)Nothingbutdeathshallstayme.
EnterPoet,followedbyLucilius,Titinius,andLucius
CASSIUS.Hownow!What’sthematter?
POET.Forshame,yougenerals!Whatdoyoumean?
Love,andbefriends,astwosuchmenshouldbe;
ForIhaveseenmoreyears,I’msure,thanye.
CASSIUS.Ha,ha!howvilelydoththiscynicrime!
BRUTUS.Getyouhence,sirrah;saucyfellow,hence!
CASSIUS.Bearwithhim,Brutus;’tishisfashion.
BRUTUS.I’llknowhishumour,whenheknowshistime:
Whatshouldthewarsdowiththesejiggingfools?
Companion,hence!
CASSIUS.Away,away!begone.ExitPoet
BRUTUS.LuciliusandTitinius,bidthecommanders
Preparetolodgetheircompaniesto-night.
CASSIUS.Andcomeyourselves,andbringMessalawithyou,
Immediatelytous.ExeuntLuciliusandTitinius
BRUTUS.Lucius,abowlofwine!ExitLucius
CASSIUS.Ididnotthinkyoucouldhavebeensoangry.
BRUTUS.OCassius!Iamsickofmanygriefs.
CASSIUS.Ofyourphilosophyyoumakenouse
Ifyougiveplacetoaccidentalevils.
BRUTUS.Nomanbearssorrowbetter:Portiaisdead.
CASSIUS.Ha!Portia!
BRUTUS.Sheisdead.
CASSIUS.How’scap’dIkillingwhenIcross’dyouso?
Oinsupportableandtouchingloss!
Uponwhatsickness?
BRUTUS.Impatientofmyabsence,
AndgriefthatyoungOctaviuswithMarkAntony
Havemadethemselvessostrong;—forwithherdeath
Thattidingscame:—withthisshefelldistract,
And,herattendantsabsent,swallow’dfire.
CASSIUS.Anddiedso?
BRUTUS.Evenso.
CASSIUS.Oyeimmortalgods!
Re-enterLucius,withwineandtapers
BRUTUS.Speaknomoreofher.Givemeabowlofwine.
InthisIburyallunkindness,Cassius.Drinks
CASSIUS.Myheartisthirstyforthatnoblepledge.
Fill,Lucius,tillthewineo’erswellthecup;
IcannotdrinktoomuchofBrutus’love.Drinks
BRUTUS.Comein,Titinius.ExitLucius
Re-enterTitinius,withMessala
Welcome,goodMessala.
Nowsitwecloseaboutthistaperhere,
Andcallinquestionournecessities.
CASSIUS.Portia,artthougone?
BRUTUS.Nomore,Iprayyou.
Messala,Ihaveherereceivedletters,
ThatyoungOctaviusandMarkAntony
Comedownuponuswithamightypower,
BendingtheirexpeditiontowardsPhilippi.
MESSALA.Myselfhavelettersoftheselfsametenour.
BRUTUS.Withwhataddition?
MESSALA.Thatbyproscriptionandbillsofoutlawry,
Octavius,Antony,andLepidus
Haveputtodeathanhundredsenators.
BRUTUS.Thereinourlettersdonotwellagree;
Minespeakofseventysenatorsthatdied
Bytheirproscriptions,Cicerobeingone.
CASSIUS.Ciceroone!
MESSALA.Ciceroisdead,
Andbythatorderofproscription.
Hadyouyourlettersfromyourwife,mylord?
BRUTUS.No,Messala.
MESSALA.Nornothinginyourletterswritofher?
BRUTUS.Nothing,Messala.
MESSALA.That,methinks,isstrange.
BRUTUS.Whyaskyou?Hearyouaughtofherinyours?
MESSALA.No,mylord.
BRUTUS.Now,asyouareaRoman,tellmetrue.
MESSALA.ThenlikeaRomanbearthetruthItell:
Forcertainsheisdead,andbystrangemanner.
BRUTUS.Why,farewell,Portia.Wemustdie,Messala:
Withmeditatingthatshemustdieonce,
Ihavethepatiencetoendureitnow.
MESSALA.Evensogreatmengreatlossesshouldendure.
CASSIUS.Ihaveasmuchofthisinartasyou,
Butyetmynaturecouldnotbearitso.
BRUTUS.Well,toourworkalive.Whatdoyouthink
OfmarchingtoPhilippipresently?
CASSIUS.Idonotthinkitgood.
BRUTUS.Yourreason?
CASSIUS.Thatisit:
’Tisbetterthattheenemyseekus:
Soshallhewastehismeans,wearyhissoldiers,
Doinghimselfoffence;whilstwe,lyingstill,
Arefullofrest,defence,andnimbleness.
BRUTUS.Goodreasonsmust,offorce,giveplacetobetter.
Thepeople’twixtPhilippiandthisground
Dostandbutinaforc’daffection;
Fortheyhavegrudg’duscontribution:
Theenemy,marchingalongbythem,
Bythemshallmakeafullernumberup,
Comeonrefresh’d,new-added,andencourag’d;
Fromwhichadvantageshallwecuthimoff,
IfatPhilippiwedofacehimthere,
Thesepeopleatourback.
CASSIUS.Hearme,goodbrother.
BRUTUS.Underyourpardon.Youmustnotebeside
Thatwehavetriedtheutmostofourfriends,
Ourlegionsarebrim-full,ourcauseisripe:
Theenemyincreasetheveryday;
We,attheheight,arereadytodecline.
Thereisatideintheaffairsofmen,
Which,takenattheflood,leadsontofortune;
Omitted,allthevoyageoftheirlife
Isboundinshallowsandinmiseries.
Onsuchafullseaarewenowafloat;
Andwemusttakethecurrentwhenitserves,
Orloseourventures.
CASSIUS.Then,withyourwill,goon;
We’llalongourselves,andmeetthematPhilippi.
BRUTUS.Thedeepofnightiscreptuponourtalk,
Andnaturemustobeynecessity,
Whichwewillniggardwithalittlerest.
Thereisnomoretosay?
CASSIUS.Nomore.Good-night:
Earlyto-morrowwewillrise,andhence.
BRUTUS.Lucius!
Re-enterLucius
Mygown.ExitLucius
Farewell,goodMessala:
Good-night,Titinius.Noble,nobleCassius,
Good-night,andgoodrepose.
CASSIUS.Omydearbrother!
Thiswasanillbeginningofthenight:
Nevercomesuchdivision’tweenoursouls!
Letitnot,Brutus.
BRUTUS.Everythingiswell.
CASSIUS.Good-night,mylord.
BRUTUS.Good-night,goodbrother.
TITINIUS.
MESSALA.
Good-night,LordBrutus.
BRUTUS.Farewell,everyone.
ExeuntCassius,Titinius,andMessala
Re-enterLucius,withthegown
Givemethegown.Whereisthyinstrument?
LUCIUS.Hereinthetent.
BRUTUS.What!thouspeak’stdrowsily?
Poorknave,Iblametheenot:thouarto’er-watch’d.
CallClaudiusandsomeotherofmymen;
I’llhavethemsleeponcushionsinmytent.
LUCIUS.Varro!andClaudius!
EnterVarroandClaudius
VARRO.Callsmylord?
BRUTUS.Iprayyou,sirs,lieinmytentandsleep:
ItmaybeIshallraiseyoubyandby
OnbusinesstomybrotherCassius.
VARRO.Sopleaseyou,wewillstandandwatchyour
pleasure.
BRUTUS.Iwillnothaveitso;liedown,goodsirs;
ItmaybeIshallotherwisebethinkme.
Look,Lucius,here’sthebookIsoughtforso;
Iputitinthepocketofmygown.
VarroandClaudiusliedown
LUCIUS.Iwassureyourlordshipdidnotgiveitme.
BRUTUS.Bearwithme,goodboy,Iammuchforgetful.
Canstthouholdupthyheavyeyesawhile,
Andtouchthyinstrumentastrainortwo?
LUCIUS.Ay,mylord,an’tpleaseyou.
BRUTUS.Itdoes,myboy:
Itroubletheetoomuch,butthouartwilling.
LUCIUS.Itismyduty,sir.
BRUTUS.Ishouldnoturgethydutypastthymight;
Iknowyoungbloodlooksforatimeofrest.
LUCIUS.Ihaveslept,mylord,already.
BRUTUS.Itwaswelldone,andthoushaltsleepagain;
Iwillnotholdtheelong:ifIdolive,
Iwillbegoodtothee.Music,andasong
Thisisasleepytune:Omurderousslumber!
Lay’stthouthyleadenmaceuponmyboy,
Thatplaystheemusic?Gentleknave,good-night;
Iwillnotdotheesomuchwrongtowakethee.
Ifthoudostnod,thoubreak’stthyinstrument;
I’lltakeitfromthee;and,goodboy,good-night.
Letmesee,letmesee;isnottheleafturn’ddown
WhereIleftreading?Hereitis,Ithink.
EntertheGhostofCæsar
Howillthistaperburns!Ha!whocomeshere?
Ithinkitistheweaknessofmineeyes
Thatshapesthismonstrousapparition.
Itcomesuponme.Artthouanything?
Artthousomegod,someangel,orsomedevil,
Thatmak’stmybloodcoldandmyhairtostare?
Speaktomewhatthouart.
GHOST.Thyevilspirit,Brutus.
BRUTUS.Whycom’stthou?
GHOST.TotelltheethoushaltseemeatPhilippi.
BRUTUS.Well;thenIshallseetheeagain?
GHOST.Ay,atPhilippi.
BRUTUS.Why,IwillseetheeatPhilippithen.
Ghostvanishes
NowIhavetakenheartthouvanishest:
Illspirit,Iwouldholdmoretalkwiththee.
Boy,Lucius!Varro!Claudius!Sirs,awake!
Claudius!
LUCIUS.Thestrings,mylord,arefalse.
BRUTUS.Hethinkshestillisathisinstrument.
Lucius,awake!
LUCIUS.Mylord!
BRUTUS.Didstthoudream,Lucius,thatthousocriedst
out?
LUCIUS.Mylord,IdonotknowthatIdidcry.
BRUTUS.Yes,thatthoudidst.Didstthouseeanything?
LUCIUS.Nothing,mylord.
BRUTUS.Sleepagain,Lucius.Sirrah,Claudius!(ToVarro)
Fellowthou!awake!
VARRO.Mylord!
CLAUDIUS.Mylord!
BRUTUS.Whydidyousocryout,sirs,inyoursleep?
VARRO.
CLAUDIUS.
Didwe,mylord?
BRUTUS.Ay:sawyouanything?
VARRO.No,mylord,Isawnothing.
CLAUDIUS.NorI,mylord.
BRUTUS.Go,andcommendmetomybrotherCassius.
Bidhimsetonhispowersbetimesbefore,
Andwewillfollow.
VARRO.
CLAUDIUS.
Itshallbedone,mylord.
Exeunt
ACTFIVE
SCENEONE
ThePlainsofPhilippi.
EnterOctavius,Antony,andtheirArmy
OCTAVIUS.Now,Antony,ourhopesareanswered:
Yousaidtheenemywouldnotcomedown,
Butkeepthehillsandupperregions;
Itprovesnotso;theirbattlesareathand;
TheymeantowarnusatPhilippihere,
Answeringbeforewedodemandofthem.
ANTONY.Tut!Iamintheirbosoms,andIknow
Whereforetheydoit:theycouldbecontent
Tovisitotherplaces;andcomedown
Withfearfulbravery,thinkingbyhisface
Tofasteninourthoughtsthattheyhavecourage;
But’tisnotso.
EnteraMessenger
MESSENGER.Prepareyou,generals:
Theenemycomesoningallantshow;
Thebloodysignofbattleishungout,
Andsomethingtobedoneimmediately.
ANTONY.Octavius,leadyourbattlesoftlyon,
Uponthelefthandoftheevenfield.
OCTAVIUS.UpontherighthandI;keepthoutheleft.
ANTONY.Whydoyoucrossmeinthisexigent?
OCTAVIUS.Idonotcrossyou;butIwilldoso.March
Drum.EnterBrutus,Cassius,andtheirArmy;Lucilius,
Titinius,Messala,andOthers
BRUTUS.Theystand,andwouldhaveparley.
CASSIUS.Standfast,Titinius:wemustoutandtalk.
OCTAVIUS.MarkAntony,shallwegivesignofbattle?
ANTONY.No,Cæsar,wewillanswerontheircharge.
Makeforth;thegeneralswouldhavesomewords.
OCTAVIUS.Stirnotuntilthesignal.
BRUTUS.Wordsbeforeblows:isitso,countrymen?
OCTAVIUS.Notthatwelovewordsbetter,asyoudo.
BRUTUS.Goodwordsarebetterthanbadstrokes,Octavius.
ANTONY.Inyourhadstrokes,Brutus,yougivegoodwords:
WitnesstheholeyoumadeinCæsar ’sheart,
Crying,‘Longlive!hail,Cæsar!’
CASSIUS.Antony,
Thepostureofyourblowsareyetunknown;
Butforyourwords,theyrobtheHyblabees,
Andleavethemhoneyless.
ANTONY.Notstinglesstoo.
BRUTUS.O!yes,andsoundlesstoo;
Foryouhavestol’ntheirbuzzing,Antony,
Andverywiselythreatbeforeyousting.
ANTONY.Villains!youdidnotsowhenyourviledaggers
Hack’doneanotherinthesidesofCæsar:
Youshow’dyourteethlikeapes,andfawn’dlikehounds,
Andbow’dlikebondmen,kissingCæsar ’sfeet;
WhilstdamnedCasca,likeacur,behind
StruckCæsarontheneck.Oyouflatterers!
CASSIUS.Flatterers!Now,Brutus,thankyourself:
Thistonguehadnotoffendedsoto-day,
IfCassiusmighthaverul’d.
OCTAVIUS.Come,come,thecause:ifarguingmakeus
sweat,
Theproofofitwillturntoredderdrops.
Look;
Idrawaswordagainstconspirators;
Whenthinkyouthattheswordgoesupagain?
Never,tillCæsar ’sthree-and-thirtywounds
Bewellaveng’d;ortillanotherCæsar
Haveaddedslaughtertotheswordoftraitors.
BRUTUS.Cæsar,thoucanstnotdiebytraitors’hands,
Unlessthoubring’stthemwiththee.
OCTAVIUS.SoIhope;
IwasnotborntodieonBrutus’sword.
BRUTUS.O!ifthouwertthenoblestofthystrain.
Youngman,thoucouldstnotdiemorehonourable.
CASSIUS.Apeevishschoolboy,worthlessofsuchhonour,
Join’dwithamaskerandareveller.
ANTONY.OldCassiusstill!
OCTAVIUS.Come,Antony;away!
Defiance,traitor,hurlweinyourteeth.
Ifyoudarefightto-day,cometothefield;
Ifnot,whenyouhavestomachs.
ExeuntOctavius,Antony,andtheirArmy
CASSIUS.Whynow,blowwind,swellbillow,andswim
bark!
Thestormisup,andallisonthehazard.
BRUTUS.Ho!
Lucilius!hark,awordwithyou.
LUCILIUS.Mylord?
BrutusandLuciliustalkapart
CASSIUS.Messala!
MESSALA.Whatsaysmygeneral?
CASSIUS.Messala,
Thisismybirth-day;asthisveryday
WasCassiusborn.Givemethyhand,Messala:
Bethoumywitnessthatagainstmywill,
AsPompeywas,amIcompell’dtoset
Upononebattleallourliberties.
YouknowthatIheldEpicurusstrong,
Andhisopinion;nowIchangemymind,
Andpartlycreditthingsthatdopresage.
ComingfromSardis,onourformerensign
Twomightyeaglesfell,andtheretheyperch’d,
Gorgingandfeedingfromoursoldiers’hands;
WhotoPhilippihereconsortedus:
Thismorningaretheyfledawayandgone,
Andintheirsteaddoravens,crows,andkites
Flyo’erourheads,anddownwardlookonus,
Asweweresicklyprey:theirshadowsseem
Acanopymostfatal,underwhich
Ourarmylies,readytogiveuptheghost.
MESSALA.Believenotso.
CASSIUS.Ibutbelieveitpartly,
ForIamfreshofspiritandresolv’d
Tomeetallperilsveryconstantly.
BRUTUS.Evenso,Lucilius.
CASSIUS.Now,mostnobleBrutus,
Thegodsto-daystandfriendly,thatwemay,
Loversinpeace,leadonourdaystoage!
Butsincetheaffairsofmenreststillincertain,
Let’sreasonwiththeworstthatmaybefall.
Ifwedolosethisbattle,thenisthis
Theverylasttimeweshallspeaktogether:
Whatareyouthendeterminedtodo?
BRUTUS.Evenbytheruleofthatphilosophy
BywhichIdidblameCatoforthedeath
Whichhedidgivehimself;Iknownothow,
ButIdofinditcowardlyandvile,
Forfearofwhatmightfall,sotoprevent
Thetimeoflife:armingmyselfwithpatience,
Tostaytheprovidenceofsomehighpowers
Thatgovernusbelow.
CASSIUS.Then,ifwelosethisbattle,
Youarecontentedtobeledintriumph
ThroughthestreetsofRome?
BRUTUS.No,Cassius,no:thinknot,thounobleRoman,
ThateverBrutuswillgoboundtoRome;
Hebearstoogreatamind:butthissameday
MustendthatworktheidesofMarchbegun;
AndwhetherweshallmeetagainIknownot.
Thereforeoureverlastingfarewelltake:
Forever,andforever,farewell,Cassius!
Ifwedomeetagain,why,weshallsmile!
Ifnot,whythen,thispartingwaswellmade.
CASSIUS.Forever,andforever,farewell,Brutus!
Ifwedomeetagain,we’llsmileindeed;
Ifnot,’tistruethispartingwaswellmade.
BRUTUS.Why,then,leadon.O!thatamanmightknow
Theendofthisday’sbusinessereitcome;
Butitsufficeththatthedaywillend,
Andthentheendisknown.Come,ho!away!Exeunt
SCENETWO
TheFieldofBattle.
Alarum.EnterBrutusandMessala
BRUTUS.Ride,ride,Messala,ride,andgivethesebills
Untothelegionsontheotherside.Loudalarum
Letthemsetonatonce,forIperceive
ButcolddemeanourinOctavius’wing,
Andsuddenpushgivesthemtheoverthrow.
Ride,ride,Messala:letthemallcomedown.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
AnotherPartoftheField.
Alarum.EnterCassiusandTitinius
CASSIUS.O!look,Titinius,look,thevillainsfly:
Myselfhavetomineownturn’denemy;
Thisensignhereofminewasturningback;
Islewthecoward,anddidtakeitfromhim.
TITINIUS.OCassius!Brutusgavethewordtooearly;
Who,havingsomeadvantageonOctavius,
Tookittooeagerly:hissoldiersfelltospoil,
WhilstwebyAntonyareallenclos’d.
EnterPindarus
PINDARUS.Flyfurtheroff,mylord,flyfurtheroff;
MarkAntonyisinyourtents,mylord:
Fly,therefore,nobleCassius,flyfaroff.
CASSIUS.Thishillisfarenough.Look,look,Titinius;
ArethosemytentswhereIperceivethefire?
TITINIUS.Theyare,mylord.
CASSIUS.Titinius,ifthoulov’stme,
Mountthoumyhorse,andhidethyspursinhim,
Tillhehavebroughttheeuptoyondertroops
Andhereagain;thatImayrestassur ’d
Whetheryondtroopsarefriendorenemy.
TITINIUS.Iwillbehereagain,evenwithathought.Exit
CASSIUS.Go,Pindarus,gethigheronthathill;
Mysightwaseverthick;regardTitinius,
Andtellmewhatthounot’staboutthefield.
Pindarusascendsthehill
ThisdayIbreathedfirst;timeiscomeround,
AndwhereIdidbegin,thereshallIend;
Mylifeisrunhiscompass.Sirrah,whatnews?
PINDARUS.(Above)Omylord!
CASSIUS.Whatnews?
PINDARUS.Titiniusisenclosedroundabout
Withhorsemen,thatmaketohimonthespur;
Yethespurson:nowtheyarealmostonhim;
Now,Titinius!nowsomelight;O!helightstoo:
He’sta’en;(Shout)and,hark!theyshoutforjoy.
CASSIUS.Comedown;beholdnomore.
O,cowardthatIam,tolivesolong,
Toseemybestfriendta’enbeforemyface!
Pindarusdescends
Comehither,sirrah;
InParthiadidItaketheeprisoner;
AndthenIsworethee,savingofthylife,
ThatwhatsoeverIdidbidtheedo,
Thoushouldstattemptit.Comenow,keepthineoath;
Nowbeafreeman;andwiththisgoodsword,
ThatranthroughCæsar ’sbowels,searchthisbosom.
Standnottoanswer;here,takethouthehilts;
And,whenmyfaceiscover ’d,as’tisnow,
Guidethouthesword.(Pindarusstabshim)Cæsar,thou
artreveng’d,
Evenwiththeswordthatkill’dthee.Dies
PINDARUS.So,Iamfree;yetwouldnotsohavebeen,
DurstIhavedonemywill.OCassius,
FarfromthiscountryPindarusshallrun,
WhereneverRomanshalltakenoteofhim.Exit
Re-enterTitiniuswithMessala
MESSALA.Itisbutchange,Titinius;forOctavius
IsoverthrownbynobleBrutus’power,
AsCassius’legionsarebyAntony.
TITINIUS.ThesetidingswillwellcomfortCassius.
MESSALA.Wheredidyouleavehim?
TITINIUS.Alldisconsolate,
WithPindarushisbondman,onthishill.
MESSALA.Isnotthathethatliesupontheground?
TITINIUS.Heliesnotliketheliving.Omyheart!
MESSALA.Isnotthathe?
TITINIUS.No,thiswashe,Messala,
ButCassiusisnomore.Osettingsun!
Asinthyredraysthoudostsinkto-night,
SoinhisredbloodCassius’dayisset;
ThesunofRomeisset.Ourdayisgone;
Clouds,dews,anddangerscome;ourdeedsaredone.
Mistrustofmysuccesshathdonethisdeed.
MESSALA.Mistrustofgoodsuccesshathdonethisdeed.
Ohatefulerror,melancholy’schild!
Whydostthoushowtotheaptthoughtsofmen
Thethingsthatarenot?Oerror!soonconceiv’d,
Thounevercom’stuntoahappybirth,
Butkill’stthemotherthatengender ’dthee.
TITINIUS.What,Pindarus!Whereartthou,Pindarus?
MESSALA.Seekhim,Titinius,whilstIgotomeet
ThenobleBrutus,thrustingthisreport
Intohisears;Imaysay,thrustingit;
Forpiercingsteelanddartsenvenomed
ShallbeaswelcometotheearsofBrutus
Astidingsofthissight.
TITINIUS.Hieyou,Messala,
AndIwillseekforPindarusthewhile.ExitMessala
Whydidstthousendmeforth,braveCassius?
DidInotmeetthyfriends?anddidnotthey
Putonmybrowsthiswreathofvictory,
Andbidmegiveitthee?Didstthounotheartheir
shouts?
Alas!thouhastmisconstru’deverything.
But,holdthee,takethisgarlandonthybrow;
ThyBrutusbidmegiveitthee,andI
Willdohisbidding.Brutus,comeapace,
AndseehowIregardedCaiusCassius.
Byyourleave,gods:thisisaRoman’spart:
Come,Cassius’sword,andfindTitinius’heart.
Killshimself
Alarum.Re-enterMessala,withBrutus,YoungCato,
Strato,Volumnius,andLucilius
BRUTUS.Where,where,Messala,dothhisbodylie?
MESSALA.Lo,yonder:andTitiniusmourningit.
BRUTUS.Titinius’faceisupward.
CATO.Heisslain.
BRUTUS.OJuliusCæsar!thouartmightyyet!
Thyspiritwalksabroad,andturnsourswords
Inourownproperentrails.Lowalarums
CATO.BraveTitinius!
Lookwhe’rhehavenotcrown’ddeadCassius!
BRUTUS.AreyettwoRomanslivingsuchasthese?
ThelastofalltheRomans,faretheewell!
ItisimpossiblethateverRome
Shouldbreedthyfellow.Friends,Iowemoretears
Tothisdeadmanthanyoushall,seemepay.—
Ishallfindtime,Cassius,Ishallfindtime.—
Cometherefore,andtoThassossendhisbody:
Hisfuneralsshallnotbeinourcamp,
Lestitdiscomfortus.Lucilius,come;
Andcome,youngCato;—letustothefield.
LabeoandFlavius,setourbattleson:—
’Tisthreeo’clock;and,Romans,yeterenight
Weshalltryfortuneinasecondfight.Exeunt
SCENEFOUR
AnotherPartoftheField.
Alarum.Enterfighting,Soldiersofbotharmies;then
Brutus,YoungCato,Lucilius,andOthers
BRUTUS.Yet,countrymen,O!yetholdupyourheads!
CATO.Whatbastarddothnot?Whowillgowithme?
Iwillproclaimmynameaboutthefield:
IamthesonofMarcusCato,ho!
Afoetotyrants,andmycountry’sfriend;
IamthesonofMarcusCato,ho!
BRUTUS.AndIamBrutus,MarcusBrutus,I;
Brutus,mycountry’sfriend;knowmeforBrutus!
Exit,chargingtheenemy.
Catoisoverpowered,andfalls
LUCILIUS.OyoungandnobleCato,artthoudown?
Why,nowthoudiestasbravelyasTitinius,
Andmaysthehonour ’d,beingCato’sson.
FIRSTSOLDIER.Yield,orthoudiest.
LUCILIUS.OnlyIyieldtodie:
Thereissomuchthatthouwiltkillmestraight.
Offeringmoney
KillBrutus,andbehonour ’dinhisdeath.
FIRSTSOLDIER.Wemustnot.Anobleprisoner!
SECONDSOLDIER.Room,ho!TellAntony,Brutusista’en.
FIRSTSOLDIER.I’lltellthenews:herecomesthegeneral.
EnterAntony
Brutusista’en,mylord.
ANTONY.Whereishe?
LUCILIUS.Safe,Antony;Brutusissafeenough:
Idareassuretheethatnoenemy
ShallevertakealivethenobleBrutus:
Thegodsdefendhimfromsogreatashame!
Whenyoudofindhim,oraliveordead,
HewillbefoundlikeBrutus,likehimself.
ANTONY.ThisisnotBrutus,friend;but,Iassureyou,
Aprizenolessinworth.Keepthismansafe,
Givehimallkindness:Ihadratherhave
Suchmenmyfriendsthanenemies.Goon,
Andseewhe’rBrutusbealiveordead;
AndbringusworduntoOctavius’tent
Howeverythingischanc’d.Exeunt
SCENEFIVE
AnotherPartoftheField.
EnterBrutus,Dardanius,Clitus,Strato,andVolumnius
BRUTUS.Come,poorremainsoffriends,restonthisrock.
CLITUS.Statiliusshow’dthetorch-light;but,mylord,
Hecamenotback:heisorta’enorslain.
BRUTUS.Sittheedown,Clitus:slayingistheword;
Itisadeedinfashion.Harkthee,Clitus.Whispers
CLITUS.What,I,mylord?No,notforalltheworld.
BRUTUS.Peace,then!nowords.
CLITUS.I’llratherkillmyself.
BRUTUS.Harkthee,Dardanius.Whispers
DARDANIUS.ShallIdosuchadeed?
CLITUS.O,Dardanius!
DARDANIUS.O,Clitus!
CLITUS.WhatillrequestdidBrutusmaketothee?
DARDANIUS.Tokillhim,Clitus.Look,hemeditates.
CLITUS.Nowisthatnoblevesselfullofgrief,
Thatitrunsoverevenathiseyes.
BRUTUS.Comehither,goodVolumnius:listaword.
VOLUMNIUS.Whatsaysmylord?
BRUTUS.Whythis,Volumnius:
TheghostofCæsarhathappear ’dtome
Twoseveraltimesbynight;atSardisonce,
AndthislastnighthereinPhilippifields.
Iknowmyhouriscome.
VOLUMNIUS.Notso,mylord.
BRUTUS.Nay,Iamsureitis,Volumnius.
Thouseesttheworld,Volumnius,howitgoes;
Ourenemieshavebeatustothepit.Lowalarums
Itismoreworthytoleapinourselves,
Thantarrytilltheypushus.GoodVolumnius,
Thouknow’stthatwetwowenttoschooltogether;
Evenforthatourloveofold,Iprithee,
Holdthoumysword-hilts,whilstIrunonit.
VOLUMNIUS.That’snotanofficeforafriend,mylord.
Alarumstill
CLITUS.Fly,fly,mylord!thereisnotarryinghere.
BRUTUS.Farewelltoyou;andyou;andyou,Volumnius.
Strato,thouhastbeenallthiswhileasleep;
Farewelltotheetoo,Strato.Countrymen,
Myheartdothjoythatyet,inallmylife,
Ifoundnomanbuthewastruetome.
Ishallhaveglorybythislosingday,
MorethanOctaviusandMarkAntony
Bythisvileconquestshallattainunto.
Sofareyouwellatonce;forBrutus’tongue
Hathalmostendedhislife’shistory:
Nighthangsuponmineeyes;myboneswouldrest,
Thathavebutlabour ’dtoattainthishour.
Alarum.Crywithin,‘Fly,fly,fly!’
CLITUS.Fly,mylord,fly.
BRUTUS.Hence!Iwillfollow.
ExeuntClitus,Dardanius,andVolumnius
Iprithee,Strato,staythoubythylord:
Thouartafellowofgoodrespect;
Thylifehathhadsomesmatchofhonourinit:
Holdthenmysword,andturnawaythyface,
WhileIdorunuponit.Wiltthou,Strato?
STRATO.Givemeyourhandfirst:fareyouwell,mylord.
BRUTUS.Farewell,goodStrato.—(Herunsonhissword)
Cæsar,nowbestill;
Ikill’dnottheewithhalfsogoodawill.Dies
Alarum.Retreat.EnterOctavius,Antony,Messala,
Lucilius,andArmy.
OCTAVIUS.Whatmanisthat?
MESSALA.Mymaster ’sman.Strato,whereisthymaster?
STRATO.Freefromthebondageyouarein,Messala;
Theconquerorscanbutmakeafireofhim;
ForBrutusonlyovercamehimself,
Andnomanelsehathhonourbyhisdeath.
LUCILIUS.SoBrutusshouldbefound.Ithankthee,Brutus,
Thatthouhastprov’dLucilius’sayingtrue.
OCTAVIUS.Allthatserv’dBrutus,Iwillentertainthem.
Fellow,wiltthoubestowthytimewithme?
STRATO.Ay,ifMessalawillprefermetoyou.
OCTAVIUS.Doso,goodMessala.
MESSALA.Howdiedmymaster,Strato?
STRATO.Iheldthesword,andhedidrunonit.
MESSALA.Octavius,thentakehimtofollowthee,
Thatdidthelatestservicetomymaster.
ANTONY.ThiswasthenoblestRomanofthemall;
Alltheconspiratorssaveonlyhe
DidthattheydidinenvyofgreatCæsar;
Heonly,inageneralhonestthought
Andcommongoodtoall,madeoneofthem.
Hislifewasgentle,andtheelements
Somix’dinhimthatNaturemightstandup
Andsaytoalltheworld,‘Thiswasaman!’
OCTAVIUS.Accordingtohisvirtueletususehim,
Withallrespectandritesofburial.
Withinmytenthisbonesto-nightshalllie,
Mostlikeasoldier,order ’dhonourably.
So,callthefieldtorest;andlet’saway,
Topartthegloriesofthishappyday.Exeunt.
MACBETH
CASTOFCHARACTERS
DUNCAN ,KingofScotland
MALCOLM
hisSons
DONALBAIN
MACBETH
BANQUO
GeneralsoftheKing’sArmy
MACDUFF
LENNOX
ROSS
NoblemenofScotland
MENTEITH
ANGUS
CAITHNESS
FLEANCE,SontoBanquo
SIWARD,EarlofNorthumberland,Generalofthe
EnglishForces
YOUNGSIWARD,hisSon
SEYTON ,anOfficerattendingonMacbeth
Boy,SontoMacduff
AnEnglishDoctor
AScotchDoctor
ASergeant
APorter
AnOldMan
LADYMACBETH
LADYMACDUFF
GentlewomanattendingonLadyMacbeth
HECATEandthreeWitches
Lords,Gentlemen,Officers,Soldiers,Murderers,
Attendants,andMessengers.TheGhostofBanquo,andotherApparitions
SCENE
Scotland;England
MACBETH
ACTONE
SCENEONE
Scotland.AdesertHeath.
Thunderandlightning.EnterthreeWitches.
FIRSTWITCH.Whenshallwethreemeetagain
Inthunder,lightning,orinrain?
SECONDWITCH.Whenthehurlyburly’sdone,
Whenthebattle’slostandwon.
THIRDWITCH.Thatwillbeerethesetofsun.
FIRSTWITCH.Wheretheplace?
SECONDWITCH.Upontheheath.
THIRDWITCH.TheretomeetwithMacbeth.
FIRSTWITCH.Icome,Graymalkin!
SECONDWITCH.Paddockcalls.
THIRDWITCH.Anon.
ALL.Fairisfoul,andfoulisfair:
Hoverthroughthefogandfilthyair.Exeunt
SCENETWO
ACampnearForres.
Alarumwithin.EnterKingDuncan,Malcolm,Donalbain,
Lennox,withAttendants,meetingableedingSergeant
DUNCAN .Whatbloodymanisthat?Hecanreport,
Asseemethbyhisplight,oftherevolt
Theneweststate.
MALCOLM .Thisisthesergeant
Who,likeagoodandhardysoldierfought
’Gainstmycaptivity.Hail,bravefriend!
Saytothekingtheknowledgeofthebroil
Asthoudidstleaveit.
SERGEANT.Doubtfulitstood;
Astwospentswimmers,thatdoclingtogether
Andchoketheirart.ThemercilessMacdonwald—
Worthytobearebel,fortothat
Themultiplyingvillaniesofnature
Doswarmuponhim—fromthewesternisles
Ofkernsandgallowglassesissupplied;
Andfortune,onhisdamnedquarrelsmiling,
Show’dlikearebel’swhore:butall’stooweak;
ForbraveMacbeth,—wellhedeservesthatname,—
Disdainingfortune,withhisbrandish’dsteel,
Whichsmok’dwithbloodyexecution,
Likevalour ’sminioncarv’douthispassage
Tillhefac’dtheslave;
Whichne’ershookhands,norbadefarewelltohim,
Tillheunseam’dhimfromthenavetothechaps,
Andfix’dhisheaduponourbattlements.
DUNCAN .Ovaliantcousin!worthygentleman!
SERGEANT.Aswhencethesun’ginshisreflection
Shipwrackingstormsanddirefulthundersbreak,
Sofromthatspringwhencecomfortseem’dtocome
Discomfortswells.Mark,KingofScotland,mark:
Nosoonerjusticehadwithvalourarm’d
Compell’dtheseskippingkernstotrusttheirheels,
ButtheNorweyanlordsurveyingvantage,
Withfurbish’darmsandnewsuppliesofmen
Beganafreshassault.
DUNCAN .Dismay’dnotthis
Ourcaptains,MacbethandBanquo?
SERGEANT.Yes;
Assparrowseagles,ortheharethelion.
IfIsaysooth,Imustreporttheywere
Ascannonsovercharg’dwithdoublecracks;
Sothey
Doublyredoubledstrokesuponthefoe:
Excepttheymeanttobatheinreekingwounds,
OrmemorizeanotherGolgotha,
Icannottell—
ButIamfaint,mygashescryforhelp.
DUNCAN .Sowellthywordsbecometheeasthywounds;
Theysmackofhonourboth.Go,gethimsurgeons.
ExitSergeant,attended
EnterRoss
Whocomeshere?
MALCOLM .TheworthyThaneofRoss.
LENNOX.Whatahastelooksthroughhiseyes!Soshouldhe
look
Thatseemstospeakthingsstrange.
ROSS.Godsavetheking!
DUNCAN .Whencecam’stthou,worthythane?
ROSS.FromFife,greatking;
WheretheNorweyanbannersfloutthesky
Andfanourpeoplecold.Norwayhimself,
Withterriblenumbers,
Assistedbythatmostdisloyaltraitor,
TheThaneofCawdor,beganadismalconflict;
TillthatBellona’sbridegroom,lapp’dinproof,
Confrontedhimwithself-comparisons,
Pointagainstpoint,rebelliousarm’gainstarm,
Curbinghislavishspirit:and,toconclude,
Thevictoryfellonus.—
DUNCAN .Greathappiness!
ROSS.Thatnow
Sweno,theNorways’king,cravescomposition;
Norwouldwedeignhimburialofhismen
Tillhedisbursed,atSaintColme’sInch,
Tenthousanddollarstoourgeneraluse.
DUNCAN .NomorethatThaneofCawdorshalldeceive
Ourbosominterest.Gopronouncehispresentdeath,
AndwithhisformertitlegreetMacbeth.
ROSS.I’llseeitdone.
DUNCAN .WhathehathlostnobleMacbethhathwon.
Exeunt
SCENETHREE
AHeath.
Thunder.EnterthethreeWitches
FIRSTWITCH.Wherehastthoubeen,sister?
SECONDWITCH.Killingswine.
THIRDWITCH.Sister,wherethou?
FIRSTWITCH.Asailor ’swifehadchestnutsinherlap,
Andmunch’d,andmunch’d,andmunch’d:‘Giveme,’
quothI:
‘Arointthee,witch!’therump-fedronyoncries.
Herhusband’stoAleppogone,mastero’theTiger:
ButinasieveI’llthithersail,
And,likearatwithoutatail,
I’lldo,I’lldo,andI’lldo.
SECONDWITCH.I’llgivetheeawind.
FIRSTWITCH.Thou’rtkind.
THIRDWITCH.AndIanother.
FIRSTWITCH.Imyselfhavealltheother;
Andtheveryportstheyblow,
Allthequartersthattheyknow
I’theshipman’scard.
I’lldrainhimdryashay:
Sleepshallneithernightnorday
Hanguponhispent-houselid;
Heshallliveamanforbid.
Wearyse’nnightsninetimesnine
Shallhedwindle,peakandpine:
Thoughhisbarkcannotbelost,
Yetitshallbetempest-tost.
LookwhatIhave.
SECONDWITCH.Showme,showme.
FIRSTWITCH.HereIhaveapilot’sthumb,
Wrack’dashomewardhedidcome.Drumwithin
THIRDWITCH.Adrum!adrum!
Macbethdothcome.
ALL.Theweirdsisters,handinhand,
Postersoftheseaandland,
Thusdogoabout,about:
Thricetothine,andthricetomine,
Andthriceagain,tomakeupnine.
Peace!thecharm’swoundup.
EnterMacbethandBanquo
MACBETH.SofoulandfairadayIhavenotseen.
BANQUO.Howfaris’tcall’dtoForres?Whatarethese,
Sowither ’dandsowildintheirattire,
Thatlooknotliketh’inhabitantso’theearth,
Andyetareon’t?Liveyou?orareyouaught
Thatmanmayquestion?Youseemtounderstandme,
Byeachatonceherchoppyfingerlaying
Uponherskinnylips:youshouldbewomen,
Andyetyourbeardsforbidmetointerpret
Thatyouareso.
MACBETH.Speak,ifyoucan:whatareyou?
FIRSTWITCH.Allhail,Macbeth!hailtothee,Thaneof
Glamis!
SECONDWITCH.Allhail,Macbeth!hailtothee,Thaneof
Cawdor!
THIRDWITCH.Allhail,Macbeth;thatshaltbekinghereafter.
BANQUO.Goodsir,whydoyoustart,andseemtofear
Thingsthatdosoundsofair?I’thenameoftruth,
Areyefantastical,orthatindeed
Whichoutwardlyyeshow?Mynoblepartner
Yougreetwithpresentgraceandgreatprediction
Ofnoblehavingandofroyalhope,
Thatheseemsraptwithal:tomeyouspeaknot.
Ifyoucanlookintotheseedsoftime,
Andsaywhichgrainwillgrowandwhichwillnot,
Speakthentome,whoneitherbegnorfear
Yourfavoursnoryourhate.
FIRSTWITCH.Hail!
SECONDWITCH.Hail!
THIRDWITCH.Hail!
FIRSTWITCH.LesserthanMacbeth,andgreater.
SECONDWITCH.Notsohappy,yetmuchhappier.
THIRDWITCH.Thoushaltgetkings,thoughthoubenone.
So,allhail,MacbethandBanquo!
FIRSTWITCH.BanquoandMacbeth,allhail!
MACBETH.Stay,youimperfectspeakers,tellmemore:
BySinel’sdeathIknowIamThaneofGlamis;
ButhowofCawdor?theThaneofCawdorlives,
Aprosperousgentleman;andtobeking
Standsnotwithintheprospectofbelief
NomorethantobeCawdor.Say,fromwhence
Youowethisstrangeintelligence?orwhy
Uponthisblastedheathyoustopourway
Withsuchpropheticgreeting?Speak,Ichargeyou.
Witchesvanish
BANQUO.Theearthhathbubbles,asthewaterhas,
Andtheseareofthem.Whitheraretheyvanish’d?
MACBETH.Intotheair,andwhatseem’dcorporalmelted
Asbreathintothewind.Wouldtheyhadstay’d!
BANQUO.Weresuchthingshereaswedospeakabout?
Orhaveweeatenontheinsaneroot
Thattakesthereasonprisoner?
MACBETH.Yourchildrenshallbekings.
BANQUO.Youshallbeking.
MACBETH.AndThaneofCawdortoo;wentitnotso?
BANQUO.Totheselfsametuneandwords.Who’shere?
EnterRossandAngus
ROSS.Thekinghathhappilyreceiv’d,Macbeth,
Thenewsofthysuccess;andwhenhereads
Thypersonalventureintherebels’fight,
Hiswondersandhispraisesdocontend
Whichshouldbethineorhis.Silenc’dwiththat,
Inviewingo’ertheresto’theselfsameday,
HefindstheeinthestoutNorweyanranks,
Nothingafeardofwhatthyselfdidstmake,
Strangeimagesofdeath.Asthickashail
Camepostwithpost,andeveryonedidbear
Thypraisesinhiskingdom’sgreatdefence,
Andpour ’dthemdownbeforehim.
ANGUS.Wearesent
Togivetheefromourroyalmasterthanks;
Onlytoheraldtheeintohissight,
Notpaythee.
ROSS.And,foranearnestofagreaterhonour,
Hebademe,fromhim,calltheeThaneofCawdor:
Inwhichaddition,hail,mostworthythane!
Foritisthine.
BANQUO.What!canthedevilspeaktrue?
MACBETH.TheThaneofCawdorlives:whydoyoudress
me
Inborrow’drobes?
ANGUS.Whowasthethanelivesyet;
Butunderheavyjudgmentbearsthatlife
Whichhedeservestolose.Whetherhewascombin’d
WiththoseofNorway,ordidlinetherebel
Withhiddenhelporvantage,orthatwithboth
Helabour ’dinhiscountry’swrack,Iknownot;
Buttreasonscapital,confess’dandprov’d,
Haveoverthrownhim.
MACBETH.(Aside)Glamis,andThaneofCawdor:
Thegreatestisbehind.(ToRossandAngus)Thanksfor
yourpains.
(ToBanquo)Doyounothopeyourchildrenshallbe
kings,
WhenthosethatgavetheThaneofCawdortome
Promis’dnolesstothem?
BANQUO.That,trustedhome,
Mightyetenkindleyouuntothecrown,
BesidestheThaneofCawdor.But’tisstrange:
Andoftentimes,towinustoourharm,
Theinstrumentsofdarknesstellustruths,
Winuswithhonesttrifles,tobetray’s
Indeepestconsequence.
Cousins,aword,Iprayyou.
MACBETH.(Aside)Twotruthsaretold,
Ashappyprologuestotheswellingact
Oftheimperialtheme.—Ithankyou,gentlemen.
(Aside)Thissupernaturalsoliciting
Cannotbeill,cannotbegood;ifill,
Whyhathitgivenmeearnestofsuccess,
Commencinginatruth?IamThaneofCawdor:
Ifgood,whydoIyieldtothatsuggestion
Whosehorridimagedothunfixmyhair
Andmakemyseatedheartknockatmyribs,
Againsttheuseofnature?Presentfears
Arelessthanhorribleimaginings;
Mythought,whosemurderyetisbutfantastical,
Shakessomysinglestateofmanthatfunction
Issmother ’dinsurmise,andnothingis
Butwhatisnot.
BANQUO.Look,howourpartner’srapt.
MACBETH.(Aside)Ifchancewillhavemeking,why,chance
maycrownme,
Withoutmystir.
BANQUO.Newhonourscomeuponhim,
Likeourstrangegarments,cleavenottotheirmould
Butwiththeaidofuse.
MACBETH.(Aside)Comewhatcomemay,
Timeandthehourrunsthroughtheroughestday.
BANQUO.WorthyMacbeth,westayuponyourleisure.
MACBETH.Givemeyourfavour:mydullbrainwaswrought
Withthingsforgotten.Kindgentlemen,yourpains
Areregister ’dwhereeverydayIturn
Theleaftoreadthem.Letustowardtheking.
(ToBanquo)Thinkuponwhathathchanc’d;and,at
moretime,
Theinterimhavingweigh’dit,letusspeak
Ourfreeheartseachtoother.
BANQUO.Verygladly.
MACBETH.Tillthen,enough.Come,friends.Exeunt
SCENEFOUR
Forres.ARoominthePalace.
Flourish.EnterDuncan,Malcolm,Donalbain,
Lennox,andAttendants
DUNCAN .IsexecutiondoneonCawdor?Arenot
Thoseincommissionyetreturn’d?
MALCOLM .Myliege,
Theyarenotyetcomeback;butIhavespoke
Withonethatsawhimdie;whodidreport
Thatveryfranklyheconfess’dhistreasons,
Implor ’dyourHighness’pardonandsetforth
Adeeprepentance.Nothinginhislife
Becamehimliketheleavingit;hedied
Asonethathadbeenstudiedinhisdeath
Tothrowawaythedearestthingheow’d,
As’twereacarelesstrifle.
DUNCAN .There’snoart
Tofindthemind’sconstructionintheface:
HewasagentlemanonwhomIbuilt
Anabsolutetrust.
EnterMacbeth,Banquo,Ross,andAngus
Oworthiestcousin!
Thesinofmyingratitudeevennow
Washeavyonme.Thouartsofarbefore
Thatswiftestwingofrecompenseisslow
Toovertakethee;wouldthouhadstlessdeserv’d,
Thattheproportionbothofthanksandpayment
Mighthavebeenmine!onlyIhavelefttosay,
Moreisthyduethanmorethanallcanpay.
MACBETH.TheserviceandtheloyaltyIowe,
Indoingit,paysitself.YourHighness’part
Istoreceiveourduties;andourduties
Aretoyourthroneandstate,childrenandservants;
Whichdobutwhattheyshould,bydoingeverything
Safetowardyourloveandhonour.
DUNCAN .Welcomehither:
Ihavebeguntoplantthee,andwilllabour
Tomaketheefullofgrowing.NobleBanquo,
Thathastnolessdeserv’d,normustbeknown
Nolesstohavedoneso,letmeinfoldthee
Andholdtheetomyheart.
BANQUO.ThereifIgrow,
Theharvestisyourown.
DUNCAN .Myplenteousjoys,
Wantoninfulness,seektohidethemselves
Indropsofsorrow.Sons,kinsmen,thanes,
Andyouwhoseplacesarethenearest,know
Wewillestablishourestateupon
Oureldest,Malcolm,whomwenamehereafter
ThePrinceofCumberland;whichhonourmust
Notunaccompaniedinvesthimonly,
Butsignsofnobleness,likestars,shallshine
Onalldeservers.FromhencetoInverness,
Andbindusfurthertoyou.
MACBETH.Therestislabour,whichisnotus’dforyou:
I’llbemyselftheharbinger,andmakejoyful
Thehearingofmywifewithyourapproach;
So,humblytakemyleave.
DUNCAN .MyworthyCawdor!
MACBETH.(Aside)ThePrinceofCumberland!thatisa
step
OnwhichImustfalldown,orelseo’erleap,
Forinmywayitlies.Stars,hideyourfires!
Letnotlightseemyblackanddeepdesires;
Theeyewinkatthehand;yetletthatbe
Whichtheeyefears,whenitisdone,tosee.Exit
DUNCAN .True,worthyBanquo;heisfullsovaliant,
AndinhiscommendationsIamfed;
Itisabanquettome.Let’safterhim,
Whosecareisgonebeforetobiduswelcome:
Itisapeerlesskinsman.Flourish.Exeunt
SCENEFIVE
Inverness.Macbeth’sCastle.
EnterLadyMacbeth,readingaletter
‘Theymetmeinthedayofsuccess;andIhavelearnedby
theperfectestreport,theyhavemoreinthemthan
mortalknowledge.WhenIburnedindesiretoquestion
themfurther,theymadethemselvesair,intowhichthey
vanished.WhilesIstoodraptinthewonderofit,came
missivesfromtheking,whoall-hailedme“Thaneof
Cawdor”;bywhichtitle,before,theseweirdsisterssalutedme,andreferredmetothecomingonoftime,with
“Hail,kingthatshaltbe!”ThishaveIthoughtgoodto
deliverthee,mydearestpartnerofgreatness,thatthou
mightestnotlosetheduesofrejoicing,bybeingignorant
ofwhatgreatnessispromisedthee.Layittothyheart,
andfarewell.’
Glamisthouart,andCawdor;andshaltbe
Whatthouartpromis’d.YetdoIfearthynature;
Itistoofullo’themilkofhumankindness
Tocatchthenearestway;thouwouldstbegreat,
Artnotwithoutambition,butwithout
Theillnessshouldattendit;whatthouwouldsthighly,
Thatthouwouldstholily;wouldstnotplayfalse,
Andyetwouldstwronglywin;thou’dsthave,great
Glamis,
Thatwhichcries‘Thusthoumustdo,ifthouhaveit’;
Andthatwhichratherthoudostfeartodo
Thanwishestshouldbeundone.Hietheehither,
ThatImaypourmyspiritsinthineear,
Andchastisewiththevalourofmytongue
Allthatimpedestheefromthegoldenround,
Whichfateandmetaphysicalaidbothseem
Tohavetheecrown’dwithal.
EnteraMessenger
Whatisyourtidings?
MESSENGER.Thekingcomeshereto-night.
LADYMACBETH.Thou’rtmadtosayit!
Isnotthymasterwithhim?who,were’tso,
Wouldhaveinform’dforpreparation.
MESSENGER.Sopleaseyou,itistrue:ourthaneiscoming;
Oneofmyfellowshadthespeedofhim,
Who,almostdeadforbreath,hadscarcelymore
Thanwouldmakeuphismessage.
LADYMACBETH.Givehimtending;
Hebringsgreatnews.—(ExitMessenger)Theravenhimselfishoarse
ThatcroaksthefatalentranceofDuncan
Undermybattlements.Come,youspirits
Thattendonmortalthoughts!unsexmehere,
Andfillmefromthecrowntothetoetop-full
Ofdirestcruelty;makethickmyblood,
Stopuptheaccessandpassagetoremorse,
Thatnocompunctiousvisitingsofnature
Shakemyfellpurpose,norkeeppeacebetween
Theeffectandit!Cometomywoman’sbreasts,
Andtakemymilkforgall,youmurderingministers,
Whereverinyoursightlesssubstances
Youwaitonnature’smischief!Come,thicknight,
Andpalltheeinthedunnestsmokeofhell,
Thatmykeenknifeseenotthewounditmakes,
Norheavenpeepthroughtheblanketofthedark,
Tocry‘Hold,hold!’
EnterMacbeth
GreatGlamis!worthyCawdor!
Greaterthanboth,bytheall-hailhereafter!
Thylettershavetransportedmebeyond
Thisignorantpresent,andIfeelnow
Thefutureintheinstant.
MACBETH.Mydearestlove,
Duncancomeshereto-night.
LADYMACBETH.Andwhengoeshence?
MACBETH.To-morrow,ashepurposes.
LADYMACBETH.O!never
Shallsunthatmorrowsee.
Yourface,mythane,isasabookwheremen
Mayreadstrangematters.Tobeguilethetime,
Looklikethetime;bearwelcomeinyoureye,
Yourhand,yourtongue:lookliketheinnocentflower,
Butbetheserpentunder’t.Hethat’scoming
Mustbeprovidedfor;andyoushallput
Thisnight’sgreatbusinessintomydispatch;
Whichshalltoallournightsanddaystocome
Givesolelysovereignswayandmasterdom.
MACBETH.Wewillspeakfurther.
LADYMACBETH.Onlylookupclear;
Toalterfavoureveristofear.
Leavealltheresttome.Exeunt
SCENESIX
Inverness.BeforetheCastle.
Hautboysandtorches.EnterDuncan,Malcolm,Donalbain,
Banquo,Lennox,Macduff,Ross,Angus,andAttendants
DUNCAN .Thiscastlehathapleasantseat;theair
Nimblyandsweetlyrecommendsitself
Untoourgentlesenses.
BANQUO.Thisguestofsummer,
Thetemple-hauntingmartlet,doesapprove
Byhislov’dmansionrythattheheaven’sbreath
Smellswooinglyhere:nojutty,frieze,
Buttress,norcoignofvantage,butthisbird
Hathmadehispendentbedandprocreantcradle:
Wheretheymostbreedandhaunt,Ihaveobserv’d
Theairisdelicate.
EnterLadyMacbeth
DUNCAN .See,see,ourhonour ’dhostess!
Thelovethatfollowsussometimeisourtrouble,
Whichstillwethankaslove.HereinIteachyou
HowyoushallbidGod’eyldusforyourpains,
Andthankusforyourtrouble.
LADYMACBETH.Allourservice,
Ineverypointtwicedone,andthendonedouble,
Werepoorandsinglebusiness,tocontend
Againstthosehonoursdeepandbroadwherewith
YourMajestyloadsourhouse:forthoseofold,
Andthelatedignitiesheap’duptothem,
Werestyourhermits:
DUNCAN .Where’stheThaneofCawdor?
Wecours’dhimattheheels,andhadapurpose
Tobehispurveyor;butherideswell,
Andhisgreatlove,sharpashisspur,hathholphim
Tohishomebeforeus.Fairandnoblehostess,
Weareyourguestto-night.
LADYMACBETH.Yourservantsever
Havetheirs,themselves,andwhatistheirs,incompt,
TomaketheirauditatyourHighness’pleasure,
Stilltoreturnyourown.
DUNCAN .Givemeyourhand;
Conductmetominehost:welovehimhighly,
Andshallcontinueourgracestowardshim.
Byyourleave,hostess.Exeunt
SCENESEVEN
Inverness.ARoomintheCastle.
Hautboysandtorches.Enter,andpassoverthestage,
aSewer,anddiversServantswithdishes
andservice.ThenenterMacbeth
MACBETH.Ifitweredonewhen’tisdone,then’twerewell
Itweredonequickly;iftheassassination
Couldtrammeluptheconsequence,andcatch
Withhissurceasesuccess;thatbutthisblow
Mightbethebe-allandtheend-allhere,
Buthere,uponthisbankandshoaloftime,
We’djumpthelifetocome.Butinthesecases
Westillhavejudgmenthere;thatwebutteach
Bloodyinstructions,which,beingtaught,return
Toplaguetheinventor;thiseven-handedjustice
Commendstheingredientsofourpoison’dchalice
Toourownlips.He’shereindoubletrust:
First,asIamhiskinsmanandhissubject,
Strongbothagainstthedeed;then,ashishost,
Whoshouldagainsthismurderershutthedoor,
Notbeartheknifemyself.Besides,thisDuncan
Hathbornehisfacultiessomeek,hathbeen
Soclearinhisgreatoffice,thathisvirtues
Willpleadlikeangelstrumpet-tongu’dagainst
Thedeepdamnationofhistaking-off;
Andpity,likeanakednew-bornbabe,
Stridingtheblast,orheaven’scherubin,hors’d
Uponthesightlesscouriersoftheair,
Shallblowthehorriddeedineveryeye,
Thattearsshalldrownthewind.Ihavenospur
Toprickthesidesofmyintent,butonly
Vaultingambition,whicho’erleapsitself
Andfallsontheother.—
EnterLadyMacbeth
Hownow!whatnews?
LADYMACBETH.Hehasalmostsupp’d:whyhaveyouleft
thechamber?
MACBETH.Hathheask’dforme?
LADYMACBETH.Knowyounothehas?
MACBETH.Wewillproceednofurtherinthisbusiness:
Hehathhonour ’dmeoflate;andIhavebought
Goldenopinionsfromallsortsofpeople,
Whichwouldbewornnowintheirnewestgloss,
Notcastasidesosoon.
LADYMACBETH.Wasthehopedrunk
Whereinyoudress’dyourself?hathitsleptsince,
Andwakesitnow,tolooksogreenandpale
Atwhatitdidsofreely?Fromthistime
SuchIaccountthylove.Artthouafeard
Tobethesameinthineownactandvalour
Asthouartindesire?Wouldstthouhavethat
Whichthouesteem’sttheornamentoflife,
Andliveacowardinthineownesteem,
Letting‘Idarenot’waitupon‘Iwould,’
Likethepoorcati’theadage?
MACBETH.Prithee,peace.
Idaredoallthatmaybecomeaman;
Whodaresdomoreisnone.
LADYMACBETH.Whatbeastwas’t,then,
Thatmadeyoubreakthisenterprisetome?
Whenyoudurstdoitthenyouwereaman;
And,tobemorethanwhatyouwere,youwould
Besomuchmoretheman.Nortimenorplace
Didthenadhere,andyetyouwouldmakeboth:
Theyhavemadethemselves,andthattheirfitnessnow
Doesunmakeyou.Ihavegivensuck,andknow
Howtender’tistolovethebabethatmilksme:
Iwould,whileitwassmilinginmyface,
Havepluck’dmynipplefromhisbonelessgums,
Anddash’dthebrainsout,hadIsoswornasyou
Havedonetothis.
MACBETH.Ifweshouldfail,—
LADYMACBETH.Wefail!
Butscrewyourcouragetothesticking-place,
Andwe’llnotfail.WhenDuncanisasleep,
Wheretotherathershallhisday’shardjourney
Soundlyinvitehim,histwochamberlains
WillIwithwineandwassailsoconvince
Thatmemory,thewarderofthebrain,
Shallbeafume,andthereceiptofreason
Alimbeckonly;wheninswinishsleep
Theirdrenchednatureslie,asinadeath,
WhatcannotyouandIperformupon
TheunguardedDuncan?whatnotputupon
Hisspongyofficers,whoshallbeartheguilt
Ofourgreatquell?
MACBETH.Bringforthmen-childrenonly;
Forthyundauntedmettleshouldcompose
Nothingbutmales.Willitnotbereceiv’d,
Whenwehavemark’dwithbloodthosesleepytwo
Ofhisownchamber,andus’dtheirverydaggers,
Thattheyhavedone’t?
LADYMACBETH.Whodaresreceiveitother,
Asweshallmakeourgriefsandclamourroar
Uponhisdeath?
MACBETH.Iamsettled,andbendup
Eachcorporalagenttothisterriblefeat.
Away,andmockthetimewithfairestshow:
Falsefacemusthidewhatthefalseheartdothknow.
Exeunt
ACTTWO
SCENEONE
Inverness.CourtwithintheCastle.
EnterBanquoandFleance,withaServantbearing
atorchbeforehim
BANQUO.Howgoesthenight,boy?
FLEANCE.Themoonisdown;Ihavenotheardtheclock.
BANQUO.Andshegoesdownattwelve.
FLEANCE.Itake’t,’tislater,sir.
BANQUO.Hold,takemysword.There’shusbandryin
heaven;
Theircandlesareallout.Taketheethattoo.
Aheavysummonslieslikeleaduponme,
AndyetIwouldnotsleep:mercifulpowers!
Restraininmethecursedthoughtsthatnature
Giveswaytoinrepose.
EnterMacbeth,andaServantwithatorch
Givememysword.
Who’sthere?
MACBETH.Afriend.
BANQUO.What,sir!notyetatrest?Theking’sa-bed:
Hehathbeeninunusualpleasure,and
Sentforthgreatlargesstoyouroffices.
Thisdiamondhegreetsyourwifewithal,
Bythenameofmostkindhostess;andshutup
Inmeasurelesscontent.
MACBETH.Beingunprepar ’d,
Ourwillbecametheservanttodefect,
Whichelseshouldfreehavewrought.
BANQUO.All’swell.
Idreamtlastnightofthethreeweirdsisters:
Toyoutheyhaveshow’dsometruth.
MACBETH.Ithinknotofthem:
Yet,whenwecanentreatanhourtoserve,
Wewouldspenditinsomewordsuponthatbusiness,
Ifyouwouldgrantthetime.
BANQUO.?Atyourkind’stleisure.
MACBETH.Ifyoushallcleavetomyconsent,when’tis,
Itshallmakehonourforyou.
BANQUO.SoIlosenone
Inseekingtoaugmentit,butstillkeep
Mybosomfranchis’dandallegianceclear,
Ishallbecounsell’d.
MACBETH.Goodreposethewhile!
BANQUO.Thanks,sir:theliketoyou.
ExeuntBanquoandFleance
MACBETH.Gobidthymistress,whenmydrinkisready
Shestrikeuponthebell.Gettheetobed.ExitServant
IsthisadaggerwhichIseebeforeme,
Thehandletowardmyhand?Come,letmeclutchthee:
Ihavetheenot,andyetIseetheestill.
Artthounot,fatalvision,sensible
Tofeelingastosight?orartthoubut
Adaggerofthemind,afalsecreation,
Proceedingfromtheheat-oppressedbrain?
Iseetheeyet,informaspalpable
AsthiswhichnowIdraw.
Thoumarshall’stmethewaythatIwasgoing;
AndsuchaninstrumentIwastouse.
Mineeyesaremadethefoolso’theothersenses,
Orelseworthalltherest:Iseetheestill;
Andonthybladeanddudgeongoutsofblood,
Whichwasnotsobefore.There’snosuchthing:
Itisthebloodybusinesswhichinforms
Thustomineeyes.Nowo’ertheonehalf-world
Natureseemsdead,andwickeddreamsabuse
Thecurtain’dsleep;witchcraftcelebrates
PaleHecate’sofferings;andwither ’dmurder,
Alarum’dbyhissentinel,thewolf,
Whosehowl’shiswatch,thuswithhisstealthypace,
WithTarquin’sravishingstrides,towardhisdesign
Moveslikeaghost.Thousureandfirm-setearth,
Hearnotmysteps,whichwaytheywalk,forfear
Thyverystonesprateofmywhereabout,
Andtakethepresenthorrorfromthetime,
Whichnowsuitswithit.WhilesIthreathelives:
Wordstotheheatofdeedstoocoldbreathgives.
Abellrings
Igo,anditisdone;thebellinvitesme.
Hearitnot,Duncan;foritisaknell
Thatsummonstheetoheavenortohell.Exit
SCENETWO
Inverness.CourtwithintheCastle.
EnterLadyMacbeth
LADYMACBETH.Thatwhichhathmadethemdrunkhath
mademebold,
Whathathquench’dthemhathgivenmefire.Hark!
Peace!
Itwastheowlthatshriek’d,thefatalbellman,
Whichgivesthestern’stgood-night.Heisaboutit:
Thedoorsareopen,andthesurfeitedgrooms
Domocktheirchargewithsnores:Ihavedrugg’dtheir
possets,
Thatdeathandnaturedocontendaboutthem,
Whethertheyliveordie.
MACBETH.(Within)Who’sthere?what,ho!
LADYMACBETH.Alack!Iamafraidtheyhaveawak’d,
And’tisnotdone;theattemptandnotthedeed
Confoundsus.Hark!Ilaidtheirdaggersready;
Hecouldnotmissthem.Hadhenotresembled
MyfatherashesleptIhaddone’t.Myhusband!
EnterMacbeth
MACBETH.Ihavedonethedeed.Didstthounotheara
noise?
LADYMACBETH.Iheardtheowlscreamandthecrickets
cry.
Didnotyouspeak?
MACBETH.When?
LADYMACBETH.Now.
MACBETH.AsIdescended?
LADYMACBETH.Ay.
MACBETH.Hark!
Wholiesi’thesecondchamber?
LADYMACBETH.Donalbain.
MACBETH.(Lookingonhishands)Thisisasorrysight.
LADYMACBETH.Afoolishthoughttosayasorrysight.
MACBETH.There’sonedidlaughin’ssleep,andonecried
‘Murder!’
Thattheydidwakeeachother:Istoodandheardthem;
Buttheydidsaytheirprayers,andaddress’dthem
Againtosleep.
LADYMACBETH.Therearetwolodg’dtogether.
MACBETH.Onecried‘Godblessus!’and‘Amen’theother:
Astheyhadseenmewiththesehangman’shands.
Listeningtheirfear,Icouldnotsay‘Amen,’
Whentheydidsay‘Godblessus!’
LADYMACBETH.Consideritnotsodeeply.
MACBETH.ButwhereforecouldnotIpronounce‘Amen’?
Ihadmostneedofblessing,and‘Amen’
Stuckinmythroat.
LADYMACBETH.Thesedeedsmustnotbethought
Aftertheseways;so,itwillmakeusmad.
MACBETH.MethoughtIheardavoicecry‘Sleepnomore!
Macbethdoesmurdersleep,’theinnocentsleep,
Sleepthatknitsuptheravell’dsleaveofcare,
Thedeathofeachday’slife,sorelabour ’sbath,
Balmofhurtminds,greatnature’ssecondcourse,
Chiefnourisherinlife’sfeast,—
LADYMACBETH.Whatdoyoumean?
MACBETH.Stillitcried‘Sleepnomore!’toallthehouse:
‘Glamishathmurder ’dsleep,andthereforeCawdor
Shallsleepnomore,Macbethshallsleepnomore!’
LADYMACBETH.Whowasitthatthuscried?Why,worthy
thane,
Youdounbendyournoblestrengthtothink
Sobrainsicklyofthings.Gogetsomewater,
Andwashthisfilthywitnessfromyourhand.
Whydidyoubringthesedaggersfromtheplace?
Theymustliethere:gocarrythem,andsmear
Thesleepygroomswithblood.
MACBETH.I’llgonomore:
IamafraidtothinkwhatIhavedone;
Lookon’tagainIdarenot.
LADYMACBETH.Infirmofpurpose!
Givemethedaggers.Thesleepingandthedead
Arebutaspictures;’tistheeyeofchildhood
Thatfearsapainteddevil.Ifhedobleed,
I’llgildthefacesofthegroomswithal;
Foritmustseemtheirguilt.Exit.Knockingwithin
MACBETH.Whenceisthatknocking?
Howis’twithme,wheneverynoiseappalsme?
Whathandsarehere!Ha!theypluckoutmineeyes.
WillallgreatNeptune’soceanwashthisblood
Cleanfrommyhand?No,thismyhandwillrather
Themultitudinousseasincarnadine,
Makingthegreenonered.
Re-enterLadyMacbeth
LADYMACBETH.Myhandsareofyourcolor,butIshame
Towearaheartsowhite.—(Knockingwithin)Iheara
knocking
Atthesouthentry;retirewetoourchamber;
Alittlewaterclearsusofthisdeed;
Howeasyisit,then!Yourconstancy
Hathleftyouunattended.(Knockingwithin)Hark!more
knocking.
Getonyournightgown,lestoccasioncallus,
Andshowustobewatchers.Benotlost
Sopoorlyinyourthoughts.
MACBETH.Toknowmydeed,’twerebestnotknowmyself.
Knockingwithin
WakeDuncanwiththyknocking!Iwouldthoucouldst!
Exeunt
SCENETHREE
TheSame.
Knockingwithin.EnteraPorter
PORTER.Here’saknocking,indeed!Ifamanwereporter
ofhell-gateheshouldhaveoldturningthekey.(Knockingwithin)Knock,knock,knock!Who’sthere,i’the
nameofBeelzebub?Here’safarmerthathangedhimselfontheexpectationofplenty:comeintime;have
napkinsenoughaboutyou;hereyou’llsweatfor’t.
(Knockingwithin)Knock,knock!Who’sthere,i’the
otherdevil’sname!Faith,here’sanequivocator,that
couldswearinboththescalesagainsteitherscale;who
committedtreasonenoughforGod’ssake,yetcouldnot
equivocatetoheaven:O!comein,equivocator.(Knockingwithin)Knock,knock,knock!Who’sthere?Faith,
here’sanEnglishtailorcomehitherforstealingoutofa
Frenchhose:comein,tailor;hereyoumayroastyour
goose.(Knockingwithin)Knock,knock;neveratquiet!
Whatareyou?Butthisplaceistoocoldforhell.I’ll
devil-porteritnofurther:Ihadthoughttohaveletin
someofallprofessions,thatgotheprimrosewaytothe
everlastingbonfire.(Knockingwithin)Anon,anon!Ipray
you,remembertheporter.Opensthegate
EnterMacduffandLennox
MACDUFF.Wasitsolate,friend,ereyouwenttobed,
Thatyoudoliesolate?
PORTER.Faith,sir,wewerecarousingtillthesecondcock;
anddrink,sir,isagreatprovokerofthreethings.
MACDUFF.Whatthreethingsdoesdrinkespeciallypro-
voke?
PORTER.Marrysir,nose-painting,sleep,andurine.Lech-
ery,sir,itprovokes,andunprovokes;itprovokesthedesire,butittakesawaytheperformance.Thereforemuch
drinkmaybesaidtobeanequivocatorwithlechery;it
makeshim,anditmarshim;itsetshimon,andittakes
himoff;itpersuadeshim,anddisheartenshim;makes
himstandto,andnotstandto;inconclusion,equivocates
himinasleep,and,givinghimthelie,leaveshim.
MACDUFF.Ibelievedrinkgavetheethelielastnight.
PORTER.Thatitdid,sir,i’theverythroato’me.butIre-
quitedhimforhislie;and,Ithink,beingtoostrongfor
him,thoughhetookupmylegssometime,yetImadea
shifttocasthim.
MACDUFF.Isthymasterstirring?
EnterMacbeth
Ourknockinghasawak’dhim;herehecomes.
LENNOX.Good-morrow,noblesir.
MACBETH.Good-morrow,both.
MACDUFF.Isthekingstirring,worthythane?
MACBETH.Notyet.
MACDUFF.Hedidcommandmetocalltimelyonhim:
Ihavealmostslipp’dthehour.
MACBETH.I’llbringyoutohim.
MACDUFF.Iknowthisisajoyfultroubletoyou;
Butyet’tisone.
MACBETH.Thelabourwedelightinphysicspain.
Thisisthedoor.
MACDUFF.I’llmakesoboldtocall,
For’tismylimitedservice.Exit
LENNOX.Goesthekinghenceto-day?
MACBETH.Hedoes:hedidappointso.
LENNOX.Thenighthasbeenunruly:wherewelay,
Ourchimneyswereblowndown;and,astheysay,
Lamentingsheardi’theair;strangescreamsofdeath,
Andprophesyingwithaccentsterrible
Ofdirecombustionandconfus’devents
Newhatch’dtothewoefultime.Theobscurebird
Clamour ’dthelivelongnight:somesaytheearth
Wasfeverousanddidshake.
MACBETH.’Twasaroughnight.
LENNOX.Myyoungremembrancecannotparallel
Afellowtoit.
Re-enterMacduff
MACDUFF.Ohorror!horror!horror!Tonguenorheart
Cannotconceivenornamethee!
MACBETH.
LENNOX.
What’sthematter?
MACDUFF.Confusionnowhathmadehismasterpiece!
Mostsacrilegiousmurderhathbrokeope
TheLord’sanointedtemple,andstolethence
Thelifeo’thebuilding!
MACBETH.Whatis’tyousay?thelife?
LENNOX.Meanyouhismajesty?
MACDUFF.Approachthechamber,anddestroyyoursight
WithanewGorgon:donotbidmespeak;
See,andthenspeakyourselves.
ExeuntMacbethandLennox
Awake!awake!
Ringthealarum-bell.Murderandtreason!
BanquoandDonalbain!Malcolm!awake!
Shakeoffthisdownysleep,death’scounterfeit,
Andlookondeathitself!up,up,andsee
Thegreatdoom’simage!Malcolm!Banquo!
Asfromyourgravesriseup,andwalklikesprites,
Tocountenancethishorror!Ringthebell.Bellrings
EnterLadyMacbeth
LADYMACBETH.What’sthebusiness,
Thatsuchahideoustrumpetcallstoparley
Thesleepersofthehouse?speak,speak!
MACDUFF.Ogentlelady!
’TisnotforyoutohearwhatIcanspeak;
Therepetitioninawoman’sear
Wouldmurderasitfell.
EnterBanquo
OBanquo!Banquo!
Ourroyalmaster’smurder ’d!
LADYMACBETH.Woe,alas!
What!inourhouse?
BANQUO.Toocruelanywhere.
DearDuff,Iprithee,contradictthyself,
Andsayitisnotso.
Re-enterMacbethandLennox
MACBETH.HadIbutdiedanhourbeforethischance
Ihadliv’dablessedtime;for,fromthisinstant,
There’snothingseriousinmortality.
Allisbuttoys;renownandgraceisdead,
Thewineoflifeisdrawn,andthemerelees
Isleftthisvaulttobragof.
EnterMalcolmandDonalbain
DONALBAIN .Whatisamiss?
MACBETH.Youare,anddonotknow’t:
Thespring,thehead,thefountainofyourblood
Isstopp’d;theverysourceofitisstopp’d.
MACDUFF.Yourroyalfather’smurder ’d.
MALCOLM .O!bywhom?
LENNOX.Thoseofhischamber,asitseem’d,haddone’t:
Theirhandsandfaceswereallbadg’dwithblood;
Soweretheirdagggers,whichunwip’dwefound
Upontheirpillows:theystar ’d,andweredistracted;no
man’slife
Wastobetrustedwiththem.
MACBETH.O!yetIdorepentmeofmyfury,
ThatIdidkillthem.
MACDUFF.Whereforedidyouso?
MACBETH.Whocanbewise,amaz’d,temperateandfuri-
ous,
Loyalandneutral,inamoment?Noman:
Theexpeditionofmyviolentlove
Outranthepauser,reason.HerelayDuncan,
Hissilverskinlac’dwithhisgoldenblood;
Andhisgash’dstabslook’dlikeabreachinnature
Forruin’swastefulentrance:there,themurderers,
Steep’dinthecoloursoftheirtrade,theirdaggers
Unmannerlybreech’dwithgore:whocouldrefrain,
Thathadahearttolove,andinthatheart
Couragetomake’sloveknown?
LADYMACBETH.Helpmehence,ho!
MACDUFF.Looktothelady.
MALCOLM .(AsidetoDonalbain)Whydoweholdour
tongues,
Thatmostmayclaimthisargumentforours?
DONALBAIN .(AsidetoMalcolm)Whatshouldbespoken
Herewhereourfate,hidinanauger-hole,
Mayrushandseizeus?Let’saway:ourtears
Arenotyetbrew’d.
MALCOLM .(AsidetoDonalbain)Norourstrongsorrow
Uponthefootofmotion.
BANQUO.Looktothelady:
LadyMacbethiscarriedout
Andwhenwehaveournakedfrailtieshid,
Thatsufferinexposure,letusmeet,
Andquestionthismostbloodypieceofwork,
Toknowitfurther.Fearsandscruplesshakeus:
InthegreathandofGodIstand,andthence
Againsttheundivulg’dpretenceIfight
Oftreasonousmalice.
MACDUFF.AndsodoI.
ALL.Soall.
MACBETH.Let’sbrieflyputonmanlyreadiness,
Andmeeti’thehalltogether.
ALL.Wellcontented.
ExeuntallbutMalcolmandDonalbain
MALCOLM .Whatwillyoudo?Let’snotconsortwiththem:
Toshowanunfeltsorrowisanoffice
Whichthefalsemandoeseasy.I’lltoEngland.
DONALBAIN .ToIreland,I;ourseparatedfortune
Shallkeepusboththesafer:whereweare,
There’sdaggersinmen’ssmiles:thenearinblood,
Thenearerbloody.
MALCOLM .Thismurderousshaftthat’sshot
Hathnotyetlighted,andoursafestway
Istoavoidtheaim:therefore,tohorse;
Andletusnotbedaintyofleave-taking,
Butshiftaway:there’swarrantinthattheft
Whichstealsitselfwhenthere’snomercyleft.Exeunt
SCENEFOUR
TheSame.WithouttheCastle.
EnterRossandanOldMan
OLDMAN .ThreescoreandtenIcanrememberwell;
WithinthevolumeofwhichtimeIhaveseen
Hoursdreadfulandthingsstrange,butthissorenight
Hathtrifledformerknowings.
ROSS.Ah!goodfather,
Thouseest,theheavens,astroubledwithman’sact,
Threatenhisbloodystage:bytheclock’tisday,
Andyetdarknightstranglesthetravellinglamp.
Is’tnight’spredominance,ortheday’sshame,
Thatdarknessdoesthefaceofearthentomb,
Whenlivinglightshouldkissit?
OLDMAN .’Tisunnatural,
Evenlikethedeedthat’sdone.OnTuesdaylast,
Afalcon,toweringinherprideofplace,
Wasbyamousingowlhawk’datandkill’d.
ROSS.AndDuncan’shorses,—athingmoststrangeandcer-
tain,—
Beauteousandswift,theminionsoftheirrace,
Turn’dwildinnature,broketheirstalls,flungout,
Contending’gainstobedience,astheywould
Makewarwithmankind.
OLDMAN .’Tissaidtheyeateachother.
ROSS.Theydidso;totheamazementofmineeyes,
Thatlook’dupon’t.HerecomesthegoodMacduff.
EnterMacduff
Howgoestheworld,sir,now?
MACDUFF.Why,seeyounot?
ROSS.Is’tknownwhodidthismorethanbloodydeed?
MACDUFF.ThosethatMacbethhathslain.
ROSS.Alas,theday!
Whatgoodcouldtheypretend?
MACDUFF.Theyweresuborn’d.
MalcolmandDonalbain,theking’stwosons,
Arestol’nawayandfled,whichputsuponthem
Suspicionofthedeed.
ROSS.’Gainstnaturestill!
Thriftlessambition,thatwiltravinup
Thineownlife’smeans!Then’tismostlike
ThesovereigntywillfalluponMacbeth.
MACDUFF.Heisalreadynam’d,andgonetoScone
Tobeinvested.
ROSS.WhereisDuncan’sbody?
MACDUFF.CarriedtoColmekill;
Thesacredstorehouseofhispredecessors
Andguardianoftheirbones.
ROSS.WillyoutoScone?
MACDUFF.No,cousin,I’lltoFife.
ROSS.Well,Iwillthither.
MACDUFF.Well,mayyouseethingswelldonethere:adieu!
Lestouroldrobessiteasierthanournew!
ROSS.Farewell,father.
OLDMAN .God’sbenisongowithyou;andwiththose
Thatwouldmakegoodofbad,andfriendsoffoes!
Exeunt
ACTTHREE
SCENEONE
Forres.ARoominthePalace.
EnterBanquo
BANQUO.Thouhastitnow:King,Cawdor,Glamis,all,
Astheweirdwomenpromis’d;and,Ifear,
Thouplay’dstmostfoullyfor’t;yetitwassaid
Itshouldnotstandinthyposterity,
Butthatmyselfshouldbetherootandfather
Ofmanykings.Iftherecometruthfromthem,—
Asuponthee,Macbeth,theirspeechesshine,—
Why,bytheveritiesontheemadegood,
Maytheynotbemyoraclesaswell,
Andsetmeupinhope?But,hush!nomore.
Sennetsounded.EnterMacbeth,asking;LadyMacbeth,as
queen;Lennox,Ross,Lords,Ladies,andAttendants
MACBETH.Here’sourchiefguest.
LADYMACBETH.Ifhehadbeenforgotten,
Ithadbeenasagapinourgreatfeast,
Andall-thingunbecoming.
MACBETH.To-nightweholdasolemnsupper,sir,
AndI’llrequestyourpresence.
BANQUO.LetyourHighness
Commanduponme;tothewhichmyduties
Arewithamostindissolubletie
Foreverknit.
MACBETH.Rideyouthisafternoon?
BANQUO.Ay,mygoodlord.
MACBETH.Weshouldhaveelsedesir ’dyourgoodadvice—
Whichstillhathbeenbothgraveandprosperous—
Inthisday’scouncil;butwe’lltaketo-morrow.
Is’tfaryouride?
BANQUO.Asfar,mylord,aswillfillupthetime
’Twixtthisandsupper;gonotmyhorsethebetter,
Imustbecomeaborrowerofthenight
Foradarkhourortwain.
MACBETH.Failnotourfeast.
BANQUO.Mylord,Iwillnot.
MACBETH.Wehearourbloodycousinsarebestow’d
InEnglandandinIreland,notconfessing
Theircruelparricide,fillingtheirhearers
Withstrangeinvention;butofthatto-morrow,
Whentherewithalweshallhavecauseofstate
Cravingusjointly.Hieyoutohorse;adieu
Tillyoureturnatnight.GoesFleancewithyou?
BANQUO.Ay,mygoodlord:ourtimedoescallupon’s.
MACBETH.Iwishyourhorsesswiftandsureoffoot;
AndsoIdocommendyoutotheirbacks.
Farewell.ExitBanquo
Leteverymanbemasterofhistime
Tillsevenatnight;tomakesociety
Thesweeterwelcome,wewillkeepourself
Tillsupper-timealone;whilethen,Godbewithyou!
ExeuntallbutMacbethandanAttendant
Sirrah,awordwithyou.Attendthosemen
Ourpleasure?
ATTENDANT.Theyare,mylord,withoutthepalacegate.
MACBETH.Bringthembeforeus.(ExitAttendant)Tobe
thusisnothing;
Buttobesafelythus.OurfearsinBanquo
Stickdeep,andinhisroyaltyofnature
Reignsthatwhichwouldbefear ’d:’tismuchhedares,
And,tothatdauntlesstemperofhismind,
Hehathawisdomthatdothguidehisvalour
Toactinsafety.Thereisnonebuthe
WhosebeingIdofear;andunderhim
Mygeniusisrebuk’d,asitissaid
MarkAntony’swasbyCæsar.Hechidthesisters
Whenfirsttheyputthenameofkinguponme,
Andbadethemspeaktohim;then,prophet-like,
Theyhail’dhimfathertoalineofkings.
Uponmyheadtheyplac’dafruitlesscrown,
Andputabarrensceptreinmygripe,
Thencetobewrench’dwithanunlinealhand,
Nosonofminesucceeding.If’tbeso,
ForBanquo’sissuehaveIfil’dmymind;
ForthemthegraciousDuncanhaveImurder ’d;
Putrancoursinthevesselofmypeace
Onlyforthem;andmineeternaljewel
Giventothecommonenemyofman,
Tomakethemkings,theseedofBanquokings!
Ratherthanso,comefateintothelist,
Andchampionmetotheutterance!who’sthere?
Re-enterAttendant,withtwoMurderers
Nowgotothedoor,andstaytheretillwecall.
ExitAttendant
Wasitnotyesterdaywespoketogether?
FIRSTMURDERER.Itwas,sopleaseyourHighness.
MACBETH.Wellthen,now
Haveyouconsider ’dofmyspeeches?Know
Thatitwasheinthetimespastwhichheldyou
Sounderfortune,whichyouthoughthadbeen
Ourinnocentself.ThisImadegoodtoyou
Inourlastconference,pass’dinprobationwithyou,
Howyouwereborneinhand,howcross’d,theinstruments,
Whowroughtwiththem,andallthingselsethatmight
Tohalfasoulandtoanotioncraz’d
Say‘ThusdidBanquo.’
FIRSTMURDERER.Youmadeitknowntous.
MACBETH.Ididso;andwentfurther,whichisnow
Ourpointofsecondmeeting.Doyoufind
Yourpatiencesopredominantinyournature
Thatyoucanletthisgo?Areyousogospell’d
Toprayforthisgoodmanandforhisissue,
Whoseheavyhandhathbow’dyoutothegrave
Andbeggar ’dyoursforever?
FIRSTMURDERER.Wearemen,myliege.
MACBETH.Ay,inthecatalogueyegoformen;
Ashoundsandgreyhounds,mongrels,spaniels,curs,
Shoughs,water-rugs,anddemi-wolves,areclept
Allbythenameofdogs:thevalu’dfile
Distinguishestheswift,theslow,thesubtle,
Thehousekeeper,thehunter,everyone
Accordingtothegiftwhichbounteousnature
Hathinhimclos’d;wherebyhedoesreceive
Particularaddition,fromthebill
Thatwritesthemallalike:andsoofmen.
Now,ifyouhaveastationinthefile,
Noti’theworstrankofmanhood,sayit;
AndIwillputthatbusinessinyourbosoms,
Whoseexecutiontakesyourenemyoff,
Grapplesyoutotheheartandloveofus,
Whowearourhealthbutsicklyinhislife,
Whichinhisdeathwereperfect.
SECONDMURDERER.Iamone,myliege,
Whomthevileblowsandbuffetsoftheworld
Havesoincens’dthatIamrecklesswhat
Idotospitetheworld.
FIRSTMURDERER.AndIanother
Sowearywithdisasters,tugg’dwithfortune,
ThatIwouldsetmylifeonanychance,
Tomenditorberidon’t.
MACBETH.Bothofyou
KnowBanquowasyourenemy.
SECONDMURDERER.True,mylord.
MACBETH.Soishemine;andinsuchbloodydistance
Thateveryminuteofhisbeingthrusts
Againstmynear ’stoflife:andthoughIcould
Withbare-fac’dpowersweephimfrommysight
Andbidmywillavouchit,yetImustnot,
Forcertainfriendsthatarebothhisandmine,
WhoselovesImaynotdrop,butwailhisfall
WhomImyselfstruckdown;andthenceitis
ThatItoyourassistancedomakelove,
Maskingthebusinessfromthecommoneye
Forsundryweightyreasons.
SECONDMURDERER.Weshall,mylord,
Performwhatyoucommandus.
FIRSTMURDERER.Thoughourlives—
MACBETH.Yourspiritsshinethroughyou.Withinthishour
atmost
Iwilladviseyouwheretoplantyourselves,
Acquaintyouwiththeperfectspyo’thetime,
Themomenton’t;for’tmustbedoneto-night,
Andsomethingfromthepalace;alwaysthought
ThatIrequireaclearness:andwithhim—
Toleavenorubsnorbotchesinthework—
Fleancehisson,thatkeepshimcompany,
Whoseabsenceisnolessmaterialtome
Thanishisfather ’s,mustembracethefate
Ofthatdarkhour.Resolveyourselvesapart;
I’llcometoyouanon.
SECONDMURDERER.Weareresolv’d,mylord.
MACBETH.I’llcalluponyoustraight:abidewithin.
ExeuntMurderers
Itisconcluded:Banquo,thysoul’sflight,
Ifitfindheaven,mustfinditoutto-night.Exit
SCENETWO
Forres.AnotherRoominthePalace.
EnterLadyMacbethandaServant
LADYMACBETH.IsBanquogonefromcourt?
SERVANT.Ay,madam,butreturnsagainto-night.
LADYMACBETH.Saytotheking,Iwouldattendhisleisure
Forafewwords.
SERVANT.Madam,Iwill.Exit
LADYMACBETH.Nought’shad,all’sspent,
Whereourdesireisgotwithoutcontent:
’Tissafertobethatwhichwedestroy
Thanbydestructiondwellindoubtfuljoy.
EnterMacbeth
Hownow,mylord!whydoyoukeepalone,
Ofsorriestfanciesyourcompanionsmaking,
Usingthosethoughtswhichshouldindeedhavedied
Withthemtheythinkon?Thingswithoutallremedy
Shouldbewithoutregard:what’sdoneisdone.
MACBETH.Wehavescotch’dthesnake,notkill’dit:
She’llcloseandbeherself,whilstourpoormalice
Remainsindangerofherformertooth.
Butlettheframeofthingsdisjoint,boththeworldssuffer,
Erewewilleatourmealinfear,andsleep
Intheafflictionoftheseterribledreams
Thatshakeusnightly.Betterbewiththedead,
Whomwe,togainourpeace,havesenttopeace,
Thanonthetortureofthemindtolie
Inrestlessecstasy.Duncanisinhisgrave;
Afterlife’sfitfulfeverhesleepswell;
Treasonhasdonehisworst:norsteel,norpoison,
Malicedomestic,foreignlevy,nothing
Cantouchhimfurther.
LADYMACBETH.Comeon;
Gentlemylord,sleeko’eryourruggedlooks;
Bebrightandjovialamongyourgueststo-night.
MACBETH.SoshallI,love;andso,Ipray,beyou.
LetyourremembranceapplytoBanquo;
Presenthimeminence,bothwitheyeandtongue:
Unsafethewhile,thatwe
Mustlaveourhonoursintheseflatteringstreams,
Andmakeourfacesvizardstoourhearts,
Disguisingwhattheyare.
LADYMACBETH.Youmustleavethis.
MACBETH.O!fullofscorpionsismymind,dearwife;
Thouknow’stthatBanquo,andhisFleance,lives.
LADYMACBETH.Butinthemnature’scopy’snoteterne.
MACBETH.There’scomfortyet;theyareassailable;
Thenbethoujocund.Erethebathathflown
Hiscloister ’dflight,ere,toblackHecate’ssummons
Theshard-bornebeetlewithhisdrowsyhums
Hathrungnight’syawningpeal,thereshallbedone
Adeedofdreadfulnote.
LADYMACBETH.What’stobedone?
MACBETH.Beinnocentoftheknowledge,dearestchuck,
Tillthouapplaudthedeed.Come,seelingnight,
Scarfupthetendereyeofpitifulday,
Andwiththybloodyandinvisiblehand
Cancelandteartopiecesthatgreatbond
Whichkeepsmepale!Lightthickens,andthecrow
Makeswingtotherookywood;
Goodthingsofdaybegintodroopanddrowse,
Whilesnight’sblackagentstotheirpreysdorouse.
Thoumarvell’statmywords:butholdtheestill;
Thingsbadbegunmakestrongthemselvesbyill:
So,prithee,gowithme.Exeunt
SCENETHREE
Forres.APark,withaRoadleadingtothePalace.
EnterthreeMurderers
FIRSTMURDERER.Butwhodidbidtheejoinwithus?
THIRDMURDERER.Macbeth.
SECONDMURDERER.Heneedsnotourmistrust,sincehe
delivers
Ourofficesandwhatwehavetodo
Tothedirectionjust.
FIRSTMURDERER.Thenstandwithus.
Thewestyetglimmerswithsomestreaksofday:
Nowspursthelatedtravellerapace
Togainthetimelyinn;andnearapproaches
Thesubjectofourwatch.
THIRDMURDERER.Hark!Ihearhorses.
BANQUO.(Within)Giveusalightthere,ho!
SECONDMURDERER.Then’tishe:therest
Thatarewithinthenoteofexpectation
Alreadyarei’thecourt.
FIRSTMURDERER.Hishorsesgoabout.
THIRDMURDERER.Almostamile;buthedoesusually,
Soallmendo,fromhencetothepalacegate
Makeittheirwalk.
SECONDMURDERER.Alight,alight!
THIRDMURDERER.’Tishe.
FIRSTMURDERER.Standto’t.
EnterBanquo,andFleancewithatorch
BANQUO.Itwillberainto-night.
FIRSTMURDERER.Letitcomedown.
TheysetuponBanquo
BANQUO.Otreachery!Fly,goodFleance,fly,fly,fly!
Thoumaystrevenge.Oslave!Dies.Fleanceescapes
THIRDMURDERER.Whodidstrikeoutthelight?
FIRSTMURDERER.Was’tnottheway?
THIRDMURDERER.There’sbutonedown;thesonisfled.
SECONDMURDERER.Wehavelost
Besthalfofouraffair.
FIRSTMURDERER.Well,let’saway,andsayhowmuchis
done.
SCENEFOUR
Forres.ARoomofStateinthePalace.
ABanquetprepared.EnterMacbeth,LadyMacbeth,Ross,
Lennox,Lords,andAttendants
MACBETH.Youknowyourowndegrees;sitdown:atfirst
andlast,
Theheartywelcome.
LORDS.ThankstoyourMajesty.
MACBETH.Ourselfwillminglewithsociety
Andplaythehumblehost.
Ourhostesskeepsherstate,butinbesttime
Wewillrequireherwelcome.
LADYMACBETH.Pronounceitforme,sir,toallourfriends;
Formyheartspeakstheyarewelcome.
EnterFirstMurderertothedoor
MACBETH.See,theyencountertheewiththeirhearts’
thanks;
Bothsidesareeven:hereI’llsiti’themidst:
Belargeinmirth;anon,we’lldrinkameasure
Thetableround.(Approachingthedoor)There’sblood
uponthyface.
MURDERER.’TisBanquo’s,then.
MACBETH.’Tisbettertheewithoutthanhewithin.
Ishedispatch’d?
MURDERER.Mylord,histhroatiscut;thatIdidforhim.
MACBETH.Thouartthebesto’thecut-throats;yethe’s
good
ThatdidthelikeforFleance:ifthoudidstit,
Thouartthenonpareil.
MURDERER.Mostroyalsir,
Fleanceis’scap’d.
MACBETH.Thencomesmyfitagain:Ihadelsebeenper-
fect;
Wholeasthemarble,foundedastherock,
Asbroadandgeneralasthecasingair:
ButnowIamcabin’d,cribb’d,confin’d,boundin
Tosaucydoubtsandfears.ButBanquo’ssafe?
MURDERER.Ay,mygoodlord;safeinaditchhebides,
Withtwentytrenchedgashesonhishead;
Theleastadeathtonature.
MACBETH.Thanksforthat.
Therethegrownserpentlies:thewormthat’sfled
Hathnaturethatintimewillvenombreed,
Noteethforthepresent.Gettheegone;to-morrow
We’llhearourselvesagain.ExitMurderer
LADYMACBETH.Myroyallord,
Youdonotgivethecheer:thefeastissold
Thatisnotoftenvouch’d,while’tisa-making,
’Tisgivenwithwelcome:tofeedwerebestathome;
Fromthence,thesaucetomeatisceremony;
Meetingwerebarewithoutit.
MACBETH.Sweetremembrancer!
Nowgooddigestionwaitonappetite,
Andhealthonboth!
LENNOX.MayitpleaseyourHighnesssit?
TheGhostofBanquoenters,andsitsinMacbeth’splace
MACBETH.Herehadwenowourcountry’shonourroof’d,
Werethegrac’dpersonofourBanquopresent;
WhomayIratherchallengeforunkindness
Thanpityformischance!
ROSS.Hisabsence,sir,
Laysblameuponhispromise.Please’tyourHighness
Tograceuswithyourroyalcompany.
MACBETH.Thetable’sfull.
LENNOX.Hereisaplacereserv’d,sir.
MACBETH.Where?
LENNOX.Here,mygoodlord.Whatis’tthatmovesyour
Highness?
MACBETH.Whichofyouhathdonethis?
LORDS.What,mygoodlord?
MACBETH.ThoucanstnotsayIdidit:nevershake
Thygorylocksatme.
ROSS.Gentlemen,rise;hisHighnessisnotwell.
LADYMACBETH.Sit,worthyfriends:mylordisoftenthus,
Andhathbeenfromhisyouth:prayyou,keepseat;
Thefitismomentary;uponathought
Hewillagainbewell.Ifmuchyounotehim
Youshalloffendhimandextendhispassion:
Feedandregardhimnot.Areyouaman?
MACBETH.Ay,andaboldone,thatdarelookonthat
Whichmightappalthedevil.
LADYMACBETH.Oproperstuff!
Thisistheverypaintingofyourfear;
Thisistheair-drawndaggerwhich,yousaid,
LedyoutoDuncan.O!theseflawsandstarts—
Imposterstotruefear—wouldwellbecome
Awoman’sstoryatawinter ’sfire,
Authoriz’dbyhergrandam.Shameitself!
Whydoyoumakesuchfaces?Whenall’sdone
Youlookbutonastool.
MACBETH.Prithee,seethere!behold!look!lo!howsayyou?
Why,whatcareI?Ifthoucanstnod,speaktoo.
Ifcharnel-housesandourgravesmustsend
Thosethatweburyback,ourmonuments
Shallbethemawsofkites.Ghostdisappears
LADYMACBETH.What!quiteunmann’dinfolly?
MACBETH.IfIstandhere,Isawhim.
LADYMACBETH.Fie,forshame!
MACBETH.Bloodhathbeenshederenow,i’theoldentime,
Erehumanstatutepurg’dthegentleweal;
Ay,andsincetoo,murdershavebeenperform’d
Tooterriblefortheear:thetimeshavebeen,
That,whenthebrainswereout,themanwoulddie,
Andthereanend;butnowtheyriseagain,
Withtwentymortalmurdersontheircrowns,
Andpushusfromourstools:thisismorestrange
Thansuchamurderis.
LADYMACBETH.Myworthylord,
Yournoblefriendsdolackyou.
MACBETH.Idoforget.
Donotmuseatme,mymostworthyfriends;
Ihaveastrangeinfirmity,whichisnothing
Tothosethatknowme.Come,loveandhealthtoall;
ThenI’llsitdown.Givemesomewine;fillfull.
Idrinktothegeneraljoyofthewholetable,
AndtoourdearfriendBanquo,whomwemiss;
Wouldhewerehere!toall,andhim,wethirst,
Andalltoall.
LORDS.Ourduties,andthepledge.
Re-enterGhost
MACBETH.Avaunt!andquitmysight!Lettheearthhide
thee!
Thybonesaremarrowless,thybloodiscold;
Thouhastnospeculationinthoseeyes
Whichthoudostglarewith.
LADYMACBETH.Thinkofthis,goodpeers,
Butasathingofcustom:’tisnoother;
Onlyitspoilsthepleasureofthetime.
MACBETH.Whatmandare,Idare:
ApproachthouliketheruggedRussianbear,
Thearm’drhinoceros,ortheHyrcantiger;
Takeanyshapebutthat,andmyfirmnerves
Shallnevertremble:orbealiveagain,
Anddaremetothedesertwiththysword;
IftremblingIinhabitthen,protestme
Thebabyofagirl.Hence,horribleshadow!
Unrealmockery,hence!Ghostvanishes
Why,so;beinggone,
Iamamanagain.Prayyou,sitstill.
LADYMACBETH.Youhavedisplac’dthemirth,brokethe
goodmeeting,
Withmostadmir ’ddisorder.
MACBETH.Cansuchthingsbe,
Andovercomeuslikeasummer ’scloud,
Withoutourspecialwonder?Youmakemestrange
EventothedispositionthatIowe,
WhennowIthinkyoucanbeholdsuchsights,
Andkeepthenaturalrubyofyourcheeks,
Whenmineareblanch’dwithfear.
ROSS.Whatsights,mylord?
LADYMACBETH.Iprayyou,speaknot;hegrowsworseand
worse;
Questionenrageshim.Atonce,good-night:
Standnotupontheorderofyourgoing,
Butgoatonce.
LENNOX.Good-night;andbetterhealth
AttendhisMajesty!
LADYMACBETH.Akindgood-nighttoall!
ExeuntLordsandAttendants
MACBETH.Itwillhaveblood,theysay;bloodwillhave
blood:
Stoneshavebeenknowntomoveandtreestospeak;
Augursandunderstoodrelationshave
Bymaggot-piesandchoughsandrooksbroughtforth
Thesecret’stmanofblood.Whatisthenight?
LADYMACBETH.Almostatoddswithmorning,whichis
which.
MACBETH.Howsaystthou,thatMacduffdenieshisperson
Atourgreatbidding?
LADYMACBETH.Didyousendtohim,sir?
MACBETH.Ihearitbytheway;butIwillsend.
There’snotaoneofthembutinhishouse
Ikeepaservantfee’d.Iwillto-morrow—
AndbetimesIwill—totheweirdsisters:
Moreshalltheyspeak;fornowIambenttoknow,
Bytheworstmeans,theworst.Formineowngood
Allcausesshallgiveway:Iaminblood
Stepp’dinsofar,that,shouldIwadenomore,
Returningwereastediousasgoo’er.
StrangethingsIhaveinheadthatwilltohand,
Whichmustbeactederetheymaybescann’d.
LADYMACBETH.Youlacktheseasonofallnatures,sleep.
MACBETH.Come,we’lltosleep.Mystrangeandself-abuse
Istheinitiatefearthatwantsharduse:
Weareyetbutyoungindeed.Exeunt
SCENEFIVE
AHeath.
Thunder.EnterthethreeWitches,meetingHecate
FIRSTWITCH.Why,hownow,Hecate!youlookangerly.
HECATE.HaveInotreason,beldamsasyouare,
Saucyandoverbold?Howdidyoudare
TotradeandtrafficwithMacbeth
Inriddlesandaffairsofdeath;
AndI,themistressofyourcharms,
Theclosecontriverofallharms,
Wasnevercall’dtobearmypart,
Orshowthegloryofourart?
And,whichisworse,allyouhavedone
Hathbeenbutforawaywardson,
Spitefulandwrathful;who,asothersdo,
Lovesforhisownends,notforyou.
Butmakeamendsnow:getyougone,
AndatthepitofAcheron
Meetmei’themorning:thitherhe
Willcometoknowhisdestiny:
Yourvesselsandyourspellsprovide,
Yourcharmsandeverythingbeside.
Iamfortheair;thisnightI’llspend
Untoadismalandafatalend:
Greatbusinessmustbewroughterenoon:
Uponthecornerofthemoon
Therehangsavaporousdropprofound;
I’llcatchitereitcometoground:
Andthatdistill’dbymagicsleights
Shallraisesuchartificialsprites
Asbythestrengthoftheirillusion
Shalldrawhimontohisconfusion:
Heshallspurnfate,scorndeath,andbear
Hishopes’bovewisdom,grace,andfear;
Andyouallknowsecurity
Ismortals’chiefestenemy.
Songwithin,‘Comeaway,comeaway,’&c.
Hark!Iamcall’d;mylittlespirit,see,
Sitsinafoggycloud,andstaysforme.Exit
FIRSTWITCH.Come,let’smakehaste;she’llsoonbeback
again.Exeunt
SCENESIX
Forres.ARoominthePalace.
EnterLennoxandanotherLord
LENNOX.Myformerspeecheshavebuthityourthoughts,
Whichcaninterpretfurther:only,Isay,
Thingshavebeenstrangelyborne.ThegraciousDuncan
WaspitiedofMacbeth:marry,hewasdead:
Andtheright-valiantBanquowalk’dtoolate;
Whom,youmaysay,if’tpleaseyou,Fleancekill’d,
ForFleancefled:menmustnotwalktoolate.
Whocannotwantthethoughthowmonstrous
ItwasforMalcolmandforDonalbain
Tokilltheirgraciousfather?damnedfact!
HowitdidgrieveMacbeth!didhenotstraight
Inpiousragethetwodelinquentstear,
Thatweretheslavesofdrinkandthrallsofsleep?
Wasnotthatnoblydone?Ay,andwiselytoo;
For’twouldhaveanger ’danyheartalive
Tohearthemendeny’t.Sothat,Isay,
Hehasborneallthingswell;andIdothink
That,hadheDuncan’ssonsunderhiskey,—
As,an’tpleaseheaven,heshallnot,—theyshouldfind
What’tweretokillafather;soshouldFleance.
But,peace!forfrombroadwords,and’causehefail’d
Hispresenceatthetyrant’sfeast,Ihear,
Macdufflivesindisgrace.Sir,canyoutell
Wherehebestowshimself?
LORD.ThesonofDuncan,
Fromwhomthistyrantholdsthedueofbirth,
LivesintheEnglishcourt,andisreceiv’d
OfthemostpiousEdwardwithsuchgrace
Thatthemalevolenceoffortunenothing
Takesfromhishighrespect.ThitherMacduff
Isgonetopraytheholyking,uponhisaid
TowakeNorthumberlandandwarlikeSiward:
That,bythehelpofthese—withhimabove
Toratifythework—wemayagain
Givetoourtablesmeat,sleeptoournights,
Freefromourfeastsandbanquetsbloodyknives,
Dofaithfulhomageandreceivefreehonours;
Allwhichwepinefornow.Andthisreport
Hathsoexasperatethekingthathe
Preparesforsomeattemptatwar.
LENNOX.SenthetoMacduff?
LORD.Hedid:andwithanabsolute,‘Sir,notI,’
Thecloudymessengerturnsmehisback,
Andhums,aswhoshouldsay,‘You’llruethetime
Thatclogsmewiththisanswer.’
LENNOX.Andthatwellmight
Advisehimtoacautiontoholdwhatdistance
Hiswisdomcanprovide.Someholyangel
FlytothecourtofEnglandandunfold
Hismessageerehecome,thataswiftblessing
Maysoonreturntothisoursufferingcountry
Underahandaccurs’d!
LORD.I’llsendmyprayerswithhim!
Exeunt
ACTFOUR
SCENEONE
ACavern.Inthemiddle,aboilingCauldron.
Thunder.EnterthethreeWitches
FIRSTWITCH.Thricethebrindedcathathmew’d.
SECONDWITCH.Thriceandoncethehedge-pigwhin’d.
THIRDWITCH.Harpercries:’Tistime,’tistime.
FIRSTWITCH.Roundaboutthecauldrongo;
Inthepoison’dentrailsthrow.
Toad,thatundercoldstone
Daysandnightshastthirty-one
Swelter ’dvenomsleepinggot,
Boilthoufirsti’thecharmedpot.
ALL.Double,doubletoilandtrouble;
Fireburnandcauldronbubble.
SECONDWITCH.Filletofafennysnake,
Inthecauldronboilandbake;
Eyeofnewt,andtoeoffrog,
Woolofbat,andtongueofdog,
Adder ’sfork,andblind-worm’ssting,
Lizard’sleg,andhowlet’swing,
Foracharmofpowerfultrouble,
Likeahell-brothboilandbubble.
ALL.Double,doubletoilandtrouble;
Fireburnandcauldronbubble.
THIRDWITCH.Scaleofdragon,toothofwolf,
Witches’mummy,mawandgulf
Oftheravin’dsalt-seashark,
Rootofhemlockdigg’di’thedark,
LiverofblasphemingJew,
Gallofgoat,andslipsofyew
Sliver ’dinthemoon’seclipse,
NoseofTurk,andTartar ’slips,
Fingerofbirth-strangledbabe
Ditch-deliver ’dbyadrab,
Makethegruelthickandslab:
Addtheretoatiger ’schaudron,
Fortheingredientsofourcauldron.
ALL.Double,doubletoilandtrouble;
Fireburnandcauldronbubble.
SECONDWITCH.Coolitwithababoon’sblood,
Thenthecharmisfirmandgood.
EnterHecate
HECATE.O!welldone!Icommendyourpains,
Andeveryoneshallsharei’thegains.
Andnowaboutthecauldronsing,
Likeelvesandfairiesinaring,
Enchantingallthatyouputin.
Musicandasong,‘BlackSpirits,’&c.
SECONDWITCH.Bytheprickingofmythumbs,
Somethingwickedthiswaycomes.
Open,locks,
Whoeverknocks.
EnterMacbeth
MACBETH.Hownow,yousecret,black,andmidnighthags!
Whatis’tyoudo?
ALL.Adeedwithoutaname.
MACBETH.Iconjureyou,bythatwhichyouprofess,—
Howe’eryoucometoknowit,—answerme:
Thoughyouuntiethewindsandletthemfight
Againstthechurches;thoughtheyestywaves
Confoundandswallownavigationup;
Thoughbladedcornbelodg’dandtreesblowndown;
Thoughcastlestoppleontheirwarders’heads;
Thoughpalacesandpyramidsdoslope
Theirheadstotheirfoundations;thoughthetreasure
OfNature’sgermenstumblealltogether,
Eventilldestructionsicken;answerme
TowhatIaskyou.
FIRSTWITCH.Speak.
SECONDWITCH.Demand.
THIRDWITCH.We’llanswer.
FIRSTWITCH.Sayifthou’dstratherhearitfromourmouths,
Orfromourmaster ’s?
MACBETH.Call’em:letmesee’em.
FIRSTWITCH.Pourinsow’sblood,thathatheaten
Herninefarrow;grease,that’ssweaten
Fromthemurderer ’sgibbetthrow
Intotheflame.
ALL.Come,highorlow;
Thyselfandofficedeftlyshow.
Thunder.FirstApparitionofanarmedHead
MACBETH.Tellme,thouunknownpower,—
FIRSTWITCH.Heknowsthythought:
Hearhisspeech,butsaythounought.
FIRSTAPPARITION .Macbeth!Macbeth!Macbeth!beware
Macduff;
BewaretheThaneofFife.Dismissme.Enough.
Descends
MACBETH.Whate’erthouart,forthygoodcautionthanks;
Thouhastharp’dmyfeararight.Butonewordmore,—
FIRSTWITCH.Hewillnotbecommanded:here’sanother,
Morepotentthanthefirst.
Thunder.SecondApparition,abloodyChild
SECONDAPPARITION .Macbeth!Macbeth!Macbeth!—
MACBETH.HadIthreeears,I’dhearthee.
SECONDAPPARITION .Bebloody,bold,andresolute;laugh
toscorn
Thepowerofman,fornoneofwomanborn
ShallharmMacbeth.Descends
MACBETH.Thenlive,Macduff:whatneedIfearofthee?
ButyetI’llmakeassurancedoublesure,
Andtakeabondoffate:thoushaltnotlive;
ThatImaytellpale-heartedfearitlies,
Andsleepinspiteofthunder.
Thunder.ThirdApparition,aChildcrowned,witha
treeinhishand
Whatisthis,
Thatrisesliketheissueofaking,
Andwearsuponhisbabybrowtheround
Andtopofsovereignty?
ALL.Listen,butspeaknotto’t.
THIRDAPPARITION .Belion-mettled,proud,andtakeno
care
Whochafes,whofrets,orwhereconspirersare:
Macbethshallnevervanquish’dbeuntil
GreatBirnamwoodtohighDunsinanehill
Shallcomeagainsthim.Descends
MACBETH.Thatwillneverbe:
Whocanimpresstheforest,bidthetree
Unfixhisearth-boundroot?Sweetbodements!good!
Rebellion’shead,risenevertillthewood
OfBirnamrise,andourhigh-plac’dMacbeth
Shalllivetheleaseofnature,payhisbreath
Totimeandmortalcustom.Yetmyheart
Throbstoknowonething:tellme—ifyourart
Cantellsomuch,—shallBanquo’sissueever
Reigninthiskingdom?
ALL.Seektoknownomore.
MACBETH.Iwillbesatisfied:denymethis,
Andaneternalcursefallonyou!Letmeknow.
Whysinksthatcauldron?andwhatnoiseisthis?
Hautboys
FIRSTWITCH.Show!
SECONDWITCH.Show!
THIRDWITCH.Show!
ALL.Showhiseyes,andgrievehisheart;
Comelikeshadows,sodepart.
AshowofEightKings;thelastwithaglassinhis
hand:Banquo’sGhostfollowing
MACBETH.ThouarttoolikethespiritofBanquo;down!
Thycrowndoessearmineeyeballs:andthyhair,
Thouothergold-boundbrow,islikethefirst:
Athirdisliketheformer.Filthyhags!
Whydoyoushowmethis?Afourth!Start,eyes!
What!willthelinestretchouttothecrackofdoom?
Anotheryet?Aseventh!I’llseenomore:
Andyettheeighthappears,whobearsaglass
Whichshowsmemanymore;andsomeIsee
Thattwo-foldballsandtreblesceptrescarry.
Horriblesight!NowIsee’tistrue;
Fortheblood-bolter ’dBanquosmilesuponme,
Andpointsatthemforhis.Apparitionsvanish
What!isthisso?
FIRSTWITCH.Ay,sir,allthisisso:butwhy
StandsMacbeththusamazedly?
Come,sisters,cheerweuphissprites,
Andshowthebestofourdelights.
I’llcharmtheairtogiveasound,
Whileyouperformyourantickround,
Thatthisgreatkingmaykindlysay,
Ourdutiesdidhiswelcomepay.
Music.TheWitchesdance,
andthenvanishwithHecate
MACBETH.Wherearethey?Gone?Letthispernicioushour
Standayeaccursedinthecalendar!
Comein,withoutthere!
EnterLennox
LENNOX.What’syourGrace’swill?
MACBETH.Sawyoutheweirdsisters?
LENNOX.No,mylord.
MACBETH.Cametheynotbyyou?
LENNOX.Noindeed,mylord.
MACBETH.Infectedbetheairwhereontheyride,
Anddamn’dallthosethattrustthem!Ididhear
Thegallopingofhorse:whowas’tcameby?
LENNOX.’Tistwoorthree,mylord,thatbringyouword
MacduffisfledtoEngland.
MACBETH.FledtoEngland!
LENNOX.Ay,mygoodlord.
MACBETH.(Aside)Time,thouanticipat’stmydread
exploits;
Theflightypurposeneveriso’ertook
Unlessthedeedgowithit;fromthismoment
Theveryfirstlingsofmyheartshallbe
Thefirstlingsofmyhand.Andevennow,
Tocrownmythoughtswithacts,beitthoughtanddone:
ThecastleofMacduffIwillsurprise;
SeizeuponFife;givetotheedgeofthesword
Hiswife,hisbabes,andallunfortunatesouls
Thattracehiminhisline.Noboastinglikeafool;
ThisdeedI’lldo,beforethispurposecool:
Butnomoresights!Wherearethesegentlemen?
Come,bringmewheretheyare.Exeunt
SCENETWO
Fife.Macduff ’sCastle.
EnterLadyMacduff,herSon,andRoss
LADYMACDUFF.Whathadhedonetomakehimflythe
land?
ROSS.Youmusthavepatience,madam.
LADYMACDUFF.Hehadnone:
Hisflightwasmadness:whenouractionsdonot,
Ourfearsdomakeustraitors.
ROSS.Youknownot
Whetheritwashiswisdomorhisfear.
LADYMACDUFF.Wisdom!toleavehiswife,toleavehis
babes,
Hismansionandhistitlesinaplace
Fromwhencehimselfdoesfly?Helovesusnot;
Hewantsthenaturaltouch;forthepoorwren,
Themostdiminutiveofbirds,willfight—
Heryoungonesinhernest—againsttheowl.
Allisthefearandnothingisthelove;
Aslittleisthewisdom,wheretheflight
Sorunsagainstallreason.
ROSS.Mydearestcoz,
Iprayyou,schoolyourself:but,foryourhusband,
Heisnoble,wise,judicious,andbestknows
Thefitso’theseason.Idarenotspeakmuchfurther:
Butcruelarethetimes,whenwearetraitors
Anddonotknowourselves,whenweholdrumour
Fromwhatwefear,yetknownotwhatwefear,
Butfloatuponawildandviolentsea
Eachwayandmove.Itakemyleaveofyou:
ShallnotbelongbutI’llbehereagain.
Thingsattheworstwillcease,orelseclimbupward
Towhattheywerebefore.Myprettycousin,
Blessinguponyou!
LADYMACDUFF.Father ’dheis,andyethe’sfatherless.
ROSS.Iamsomuchafool,shouldIstaylonger,
Itwouldbemydisgrace,andyourdiscomfort:
Itakemyleaveatonce.Exit
LADYMACDUFF.Sirrah,yourfather’sdead;
Andwhatwillyoudonow?Howwillyoulive?
SON .Asbirdsdo,mother.
LADYMACDUFF.What!withwormsandflies?
SON .WithwhatIget,Imean;andsodothey.
LADYMACDUFF.Poorbird!thou’dstneverfearthenetnor
lime,
Thepitfallnorthegin.
SON .WhyshouldI,mother?Poorbirdstheyarenotsetfor.
Myfatherisnotdead,forallyoursaying.
LADYMACDUFF.Yes,heisdead:howwiltthoudofora
father?
SON .Nay,howwillyoudoforahusband?
LADYMACDUFF.Why,Icanbuymetwentyatanymarket.
SON .Thenyou’llbuy’emtosellagain.
LADYMACDUFF.Thouspeak’stwithallthywit;andyet,i’
faith,
Withwitenoughforthee.
SON .Wasmyfatheratraitor,mother?
LADYMACDUFF.Ay,thathewas.
SON .Whatisatraitor?
LADYMACDUFF.Why,onethatswearsandlies.
SON .Andbealltraitorsthatdoso?
LADYMACDUFF.Everyonethatdoessoisatraitor,and
mustbehanged.
SON .Andmusttheyallbehangedthatswearandlie?
LADYMACDUFF.Everyone.
SON .Whomusthangthem?
LADYMACDUFF.Why,thehonestmen.
SON .Thentheliarsandswearersarefools,forthereare
liarsandswearersenowtobeatthehonestmen,and
hangupthem.
LADYMACDUFF.NowGodhelpthee,poormonkey!
Buthowwiltthoudoforafather?
SON .Ifheweredead,you’dweepforhim:ifyouwould
not,itwereagoodsignthatIshouldquicklyhaveanew
father.
LADYMACDUFF.Poorprattler,howthoutalk’st!
EnteraMessenger
MESSENGER.Blessyou,fairdame!Iamnottoyouknown,
ThoughinyourstateofhonourIamperfect.
Idoubtsomedangerdoesapproachyounearly:
Ifyouwilltakeahomelyman’sadvice,
Benotfoundhere;hence,withyourlittleones.
Tofrightyouthus,methinks,Iamtoosavage;
Todoworsetoyouwerefellcruelty,
Whichistoonighyourperson.Heavenpreserveyou!
Idareabidenolonger.Exit
LADYMACDUFF.WhithershouldIfly?
Ihavedonenoharm.ButIremembernow
Iaminthisearthlyworld,where,todoharm
Isoftenlaudable,todogoodsometime
Accounteddangerousfolly;whythen,alas!
DoIputupthatwomanlydefence,
TosayIhavedonenoharm?
EnterMurderers
Whatarethesefaces?
MURDERER.Whereisyourhusband?
LADYMACDUFF.Ihopeinnoplacesounsanctified
Wheresuchasthoumaystfindhim.
MURDERER.He’satraitor.
SON .Thouliest,thoushag-hair ’dvillain.
MURDERER.What!youegg.
Youngfryoftreachery!Stabbinghim
SON .Hehaskilledme,mother:
Runaway,Iprayyou!Dies
ExitLadyMacduff,
crying‘Murder!’andpursuedbytheMurderers
SCENETHREE
England.BeforetheKing’sPalace.
EnterMalcolmandMacduff
MALCOLM .Letusseekoutsomedesolateshade,andthere
Weepoursadbosomsempty.
MACDUFF.Letusrather
Holdfastthemortalsword,andlikegoodmen
Bestrideourdown-fall’nbirthdom;eachnewmorn
Newwidowshowl,neworphanscry,newsorrows
Strikeheavenontheface,thatitresounds
AsifitfeltwithScotlandandyell’dout
Likesyllableofdolour.
MALCOLM .WhatIbelieveI’llwail,
Whatknowbelieve,andwhatIcanredress,
AsIshallfindthetimetofriend,Iwill.
Whatyouhavespoke,itmaybesoperchance.
Thistyrant,whosesolenameblistersourtongues,
Wasoncethoughthonest:youhavelov’dhimwell;
Hehathnottouch’dyouyet.Iamyoung;butsomething
Youmaydeserveofhimthroughme,andwisdom
Toofferupaweak,poor,innocentlamb
Toappeaseanangrygod.
MACDUFF.Iamnottreacherous.
MALCOLM .ButMacbethis.
Agoodandvirtuousnaturemayrecoil
Inanimperialcharge.ButIshallcraveyourpardon;
Thatwhichyouaremythoughtscannottranspose;
Angelsarebrightstill,thoughthebrightestfell;
Thoughallthingsfoulwouldwearthebrowsofgrace,
Yetgracemuststilllookso.
MACDUFF.Ihavelostmyhopes.
MALCOLM .PerchanceeventherewhereIdidfindmy
doubts.
Whyinthatrawnessleftyouwifeandchild—
Thosepreciousmotives,thosestrongknotsoflove—
Withoutleave-taking?Iprayyou,
Letnotmyjealousiesbeyourdishonours,
Butmineownsafeties:youmayberightlyjust,
WhateverIshallthink.
MACDUFF.Bleed,bleed,poorcountry!
Greattyranny,laythouthybasissure,
Forgoodnessdaresnotcheckthee!wearthouthy
wrongs;
Thetitleisaffeer ’d!Faretheewell,lord:
Iwouldnotbethevillainthatthouthink’st
Forthewholespacethat’sinthetyrant’sgrasp,
AndtherichEasttoboot.
MALCOLM .Benotoffended:
Ispeaknotasinabsolutefearofyou.
Ithinkourcountrysinksbeneaththeyoke;
Itweeps,itbleeds,andeachnewdayagash
Isaddedtoherwounds:Ithinkwithal
Therewouldbehandsupliftedinmyright;
AndherefromgraciousEnglandhaveIoffer
Ofgoodlythousands:but,forallthis,
WhenIshalltreaduponthetyrant’shead,
Orwearitonmysword,yetmypoorcountry
Shallhavemorevicesthanithadbefore,
Moresuffer,andmoresundrywaysthanever,
Byhimthatshallsucceed.
MACDUFF.Whatshouldhebe?
MALCOLM .ItismyselfImean;inwhomIknow
Alltheparticularsofvicesografted,
That,whentheyshallbeopen’d,blackMacbeth
Willseemaspureassnow,andthepoorstate
Esteemhimasalamb,beingcompar ’d
Withmyconfinelessharms.
MACDUFF.Notinthelegions
Ofhorridhellcancomeadevilmoredamn’d
InevilstotopMacbeth.
MALCOLM .Igranthimbloody,
Luxurious,avaricious,false,deceitful,
Sudden,malicious,smackingofeverysin
Thathasaname;butthere’snobottom,none,
Inmyvoluptuousness:yourwives,yourdaughters,
Yourmatrons,andyourmaids,couldnotfillup
Thecisternofmylust;andmydesire
Allcontinentimpedimentswouldo’erbear
Thatdidopposemywill;betterMacbeth
Thansuchanonetoreign.
MACDUFF.Boundlessintemperance
Innatureisatyranny;ithathbeen
Th’untimelyemptyingofthehappythrone,
Andfallofmanykings.Butfearnotyet
Totakeuponyouwhatisyours;youmay
Conveyyourpleasuresinaspaciousplenty,
Andyetseemcold,thetimeyoumaysohoodwink.
Wehavewillingdamesenough;therecannotbe
Thatvultureinyou,todevoursomany
Aswilltogreatnessdedicatethemselves,
Findingitsoinclin’d.
MALCOLM .Withthistheregrows
Inmymostill-compos’daffectionsuch
Astanchlessavaricethat,wereIking,
Ishouldcutoffthenoblesfortheirlands,
Desirehisjewelsandthisother ’shouse;
Andmymore-havingwouldbeasasauce
Tomakemehungermore,thatIshouldforge
Quarrelsunjustagainstthegoodandloyal,
Destroyingthemforwealth.
MACDUFF.Thisavarice
Sticksdeeper,growswithmoreperniciousroot
Thansummer-seeminglust,andithathbeen
Theswordofourslainkings:yetdonotfear;
Scotlandhathfoisonstofillupyourwill,
Ofyourmereown;alltheseareportable,
Withothergracesweigh’d.
MALCOLM .ButIhavenone:theking-becominggraces,
Asjustice,verity,temperance,stableness,
Bounty,perseverance,mercy,lowliness,
Devotion,patience,courage,fortitude,
Ihavenorelishofthem,butabound
Inthedivisionofeachseveralcrime,
Actingitmanyways.Nay,hadIpower,Ishould
Pourthesweetmilkofconcordintohell,
Uproartheuniversalpeace,confound
Allunityonearth.
MACDUFF.OScotland,Scotland!
MALCOLM .Ifsuchaonebefittogovern,speak:
IamasIhavespoken.
MACDUFF.Fittogovern!
No,nottolive.Onationmiserable,
Withanuntitledtyrantbloody-sceptr ’d,
Whenshaltthouseethywholesomedaysagain,
Sincethatthetruestissueofthythrone
Byhisowninterdictionstandsaccurs’d,
Anddoesblasphemehisbreed?Thyroyalfather
Wasamostsaintedking;thequeenthatborethee,
Ofteneruponherkneesthanonherfeet,
Diedeverydaysheliv’d.Faretheewell!
Theseevilsthourepeat’stuponthyself
Havebanish’dmefromScotland.Omybreast,
Thyhopeendshere!
MALCOLM .Macduff,thisnoblepassion,
Childofintegrity,hathfrommysoul
Wip’dtheblackscruples,reconcil’dmythoughts
Tothygoodtruthandhonour.DevilishMacbeth
Bymanyofthesetrainshathsoughttowinme
Intohispower,andmodestwisdomplucksme
Fromover-creduloushaste;butGodabove
Dealbetweentheeandme!forevennow
Iputmyselftothydirection,and
Unspeakmineowndetraction,hereabjure
ThetaintsandblamesIlaiduponmyself,
Forstrangerstomynature.Iamyet
Unknowntowoman,neverwasforsworn,
Scarcelyhavecovetedwhatwasmineown;
Atnotimebrokemyfaith,wouldnotbetray
Thedeviltohisfellow,anddelight
Nolessintruththanlife;myfirstfalsespeaking
Wasthisuponmyself.WhatIamtruly,
Isthineandmypoorcountry’stocommand;
Whitherindeed,beforethyhere-approach,
OldSiward,withtenthousandwarlikemen,
Alreadyatapoint,wassettingforth.
Nowwe’lltogether,andthechanceofgoodness
Belikeourwarrantedquarrel.Whyareyousilent?
MACDUFF.Suchwelcomeandunwelcomethingsatonce
’Tishardtoreconcile.
EnteraDoctor
MALCOLM .Well;moreanon.Comesthekingforth,Ipray
you?
DOCTOR.Ay,sir;thereareacrewofwretchedsouls
Thatstayhiscure;theirmaladyconvinces
Thegreatassayofart;but,athistouch,
Suchsanctityhathheavengivenhishand,
Theypresentlyamend.
MALCOLM .Ithankyou,doctor.
ExitDoctor
MACDUFF.What’sthediseasehemeans?
MALCOLM .’Tiscall’dtheevil:
Amostmiraculousworkinthisgoodking,
Whichoften,sincemyhere-remaininEngland,
Ihaveseenhimdo.Howhesolicitsheaven,
Himselfbestknows;butstrangely-visitedpeople,
Allswolnandulcerous,pitifultotheeye,
Themeredespairofsurgery,hecures;
Hangingagoldenstampabouttheirnecks,
Putonwithholyprayers;and’tisspoken
Tothesucceedingroyaltyheleaves
Thehealingbenediction.Withthisstrangevirtue,
Hehathaheavenlygiftofprophecy,
Andsundryblessingshangabouthisthrone
Thatspeakhimfullofgrace.
MACDUFF.See,whocomeshere?
MALCOLM .Mycountryman;butyetIknowhimnot.
EnterRoss
MACDUFF.Myever-gentlecousin,welcomehither.
MALCOLM .Iknowhimnow.GoodGod,betimesremove
Themeansthatmakesusstrangers!
ROSS.Sir,amen.
MACDUFF.StandsScotlandwhereitdid?
ROSS.Alas!poorcountry;
Almostafraidtoknowitself.Itcannot
Becall’dourmother,butourgrave;wherenothing,
Butwhoknowsnothing,isonceseentosmile;
Wheresighsandgroansandshrieksthatrenttheair
Aremade,notmark’d;whereviolentsorrowseems
Amodernecstasy;thedeadman’sknell
Istherescarceask’dforwho;andgoodmen’slives
Expirebeforetheflowersintheircaps,
Dyingoreretheysicken.
MACDUFF.O!relation
Toonice,andyettootrue!
MALCOLM .What’sthenewestgrief?
ROSS.Thatofanhour ’sagedothhissthespeaker;
Eachminuteteemsanewone.
MACDUFF.Howdoesmywife?
ROSS.Why,well.
MACDUFF.Andallmychildren?
ROSS.Welltoo.
MACDUFF.Thetyranthasnotbatter ’dattheirpeace?
ROSS.No;theywerewellatpeacewhenIdidleave’em.
MACDUFF.Benotaniggardofyourspeech:howgoes’t?
ROSS.WhenIcamehithertotransportthetidings,
WhichIhaveheavilyborne,thereranarumour
Ofmanyworthyfellowsthatwereout;
Whichwastomybeliefwitness’dtherather
ForthatIsawthetyrant’spowera-foot.
Nowisthetimeofhelp;youreyeinScotland
Wouldcreatesoldiers,makeourwomenfight,
Todofftheirdiredistresses.
MALCOLM .Be’ttheircomfort
Wearecomingthither.GraciousEnglandhath
LentusgoodSiwardandtenthousandmen;
Anolderandabettersoldiernone
ThatChristendomgivesout.
ROSS.WouldIcouldanswer
Thiscomfortwiththelike!ButIhavewords
Thatwouldbehowl’doutinthedesertair,
Wherehearingshouldnotlatchthem.
MACDUFF.Whatconcernthey?
Thegeneralcause?orisitafee-grief
Duetosomesinglebreast?
ROSS.Nomindthat’shonest
Butinitsharessomewoe,thoughthemainpart
Pertainstoyoualone.
MACDUFF.Ifitbemine
Keepitnotfromme;quicklyletmehaveit.
ROSS.Letnotyourearsdespisemytongueforever,
Whichshallpossessthemwiththeheaviestsound
Thateveryettheyheard.
MACDUFF.Hum!Iguessatit.
ROSS.Yourcastleissurpris’d;yourwifeandbabes
Savagelyslaughter ’d;torelatethemanner,
Were,onthequarryofthesemurder ’ddeer,
Toaddthedeathofyou.
MALCOLM .Mercifulheaven!
What!man;ne’erpullyourhatuponyourbrows;
Givesorrowwords;thegriefthatdoesnotspeak
Whisperstheo’er-fraughtheartandbidsitbreak.
MACDUFF.Mychildrentoo?
ROSS.Wife,children,servants,all
Thatcouldbefound.
MACDUFF.AndImustbefromthence!
Mywifekill’dtoo?
ROSS.Ihavesaid.
MALCOLM .Becomforted:
Let’smakeusmedicineofourgreatrevenge,
Tocurethisdeadlygrief.
MACDUFF.Hehasnochildren.Allmyprettyones?
Didyousayall?Ohell-kite!All?
What!allmyprettychickensandtheirdam
Atonefellswoop?
MALCOLM .Disputeitlikeaman.
MACDUFF.Ishalldoso;
ButImustalsofeelitasaman:
Icannotbutremembersuchthingswere,
Thatweremostprecioustome.Didheavenlookon,
Andwouldnottaketheirpart?SinfulMacduff!
Theywereallstruckforthee.NaughtthatIam,
Notfortheirowndemerits,butformine,
Fellslaughterontheirsouls.Heavenrestthemnow!
MALCOLM .Bethisthewhetstoneofyoursword:letgrief
Converttoanger;bluntnottheheart,enrageit.
MACDUFF.O!Icouldplaythewomanwithmineeyes,
Andbraggartwithmytongue.But,gentleheavens,
Cutshortallintermission;fronttofront
BringthouthisfiendofScotlandandmyself;
Withinmysword’slengthsethim;ifhe’scape,
Heavenforgivehimtoo!
MALCOLM .Thistunegoesmanly.
Come,gowetotheking;ourpowerisready;
Ourlackisnothingbutourleave.Macbeth
Isripeforshaking,andthepowersabove
Putontheirinstruments.Receivewhatcheeryoumay;
Thenightislongthatneverfindstheday.Exeunt
ACTFIVE
SCENEONE
Dunsinane.ARoomintheCastle.
EnteraDoctorofPhysicandaWaiting-Gentlewoman
DOCTOR.Ihavetwonightswatchedwithyou,butcanperceivenotruthinyourreport.Whenwasitshelast
walked?
GENTLEWOMAN .Sincehismajestywentintothefield,I
haveseenherrisefromherbed,throwhernightgown
uponher,unlockhercloset,takeforthpaper,foldit,
writeupon’t,readit,afterwardssealit,andagainreturn
tobed;yetallthiswhileinamostfastsleep.
DOCTOR.Agreatperturbationinnature,toreceiveatonce
thebenefitofsleepanddotheeffectsofwatching!Inthisslumberyagitation,besidesherwalkingand
otheractual
performances,what,atanytime,haveyouheardhersay?
GENTLEWOMAN .That,sir,whichIwillnotreportafterher.
DOCTOR.Youmaytome,and’tismostmeetyoushould.
GENTLEWOMAN .Neithertoyounoranyone,havingnowit-
nesstoconfirmmyspeech.
EnterLadyMacbeth,withataper
Loyou!hereshecomes.Thisisherveryguise;and,upon
mylife,fastasleep.Observeher;standclose.
DOCTOR.Howcameshebythatlight?
GENTLEWOMAN .Why,itstoodbyher:shehaslightbyher
continually;’tishercommand.
DOCTOR.Yousee,hereyesareopen.
GENTLEWOMAN .Ay,buttheirsenseisshut.
DOCTOR.Whatisitshedoesnow?Look,howsherubsher
hands.
GENTLEWOMAN .Itisanaccustomedactionwithher,to
seemthuswashingherhands.Ihaveknownhertocontinueinthisaquarterofanhour.
LADYMACBETH.Yethere’saspot.
DOCTOR.Hark!shespeaks.Iwillsetdownwhatcomes
fromher,tosatisfymyremembrancethemorestrongly.
LADYMACBETH.Out,damnedspot!out,Isay!One;two:
why,then,’tistimetodo’t.Hellismurky!Fie,mylord,
fie!asoldier,andafeard?Whatneedwefearwhoknows
it,whennonecancallourpowertoaccount?Yetwho
wouldhavethoughttheoldmantohavehadsomuch
bloodinhim?
DOCTOR.Doyoumarkthat?
LADYMACBETH.TheThaneofFifehadawife:whereis
shenow?What!willthesehandsne’erbeclean?Nomore
o’that,mylord,nomoreo’that:youmarallwiththis
starting.
DOCTOR.Goto,goto;youhaveknownwhatyoushould
not.
GENTLEWOMAN .Shehasspokewhatsheshouldnot,Iam
sureofthat:Heavenknowswhatshehasknown.
LADYMACBETH.Here’sthesmellofthebloodstill:allthe
perfumesofArabiawillnotsweetenthislittlehand.Oh!
oh!oh!
DOCTOR.Whatasighisthere!Theheartissorelycharged.
GENTLEWOMAN .Iwouldnothavesuchaheartinmybosom
forthedignityofthewholebody.
DOCTOR.Well,well,well.
GENTLEWOMAN .PrayGoditbe,sir.
DOCTOR.Thisdiseaseisbeyondmypractice:yetIhave
knownthosewhichhavewalkedintheirsleepwhohave
diedholilyintheirbeds.
LADYMACBETH.Washyourhands,putonyournightgown;
looknotsopale.Itellyouyetagain,Banquo’sburied;
hecannotcomeouton’sgrave.
DOCTOR.Evenso?
LADYMACBETH.Tobed,tobed:there’sknockingatthe
gate.Come,come,come,come,givemeyourhand.What
’sdonecannotbeundone.Tobed,tobed,tobed.Exit
DOCTOR.Willshegonowtobed?
GENTLEWOMAN .Directly.
DOCTOR.Foulwhisperingsareabroad.Unnaturaldeeds
Dobreedunnaturaltroubles;infectedminds
Totheirdeafpillowswilldischargetheirsecrets;
Moreneedsshethedivinethanthephysician.
God,Godforgiveusall!Lookafterher;
Removefromherthemeansofallannoyance,
Andstillkeepeyesuponher.So,good-night:
Mymindshehasmated,andamaz’dmysight.
Ithink,butdarenotspeak.
GENTLEWOMAN .Good-night,gooddoctor.
Exeunt
SCENETWO
TheCountrynearDunsinane.
Enter,withdrumandcolours,Menteith,Caithness,
Angus,Lennox,andSoldiers
MENTEITH.TheEnglishpowerisnear,ledonbyMalcolm,
HisuncleSiward,andthegoodMacduff.
Revengesburninthem;fortheirdearcauses
Wouldtothebleedingandthegrimalarm
Excitethemortifiedman.
ANGUS.NearBirnamwood
Shallwewellmeetthem;thatwayaretheycoming.
CAITHNESS.WhoknowsifDonalbainbewithhisbrother?
LENNOX.Forcertain,sir,heisnot:Ihaveafile
Ofallthegentry:thereisSiward’sson,
Andmanyunroughyouthsthatevennow
Protesttheirfirstofmanhood.
MENTEITH.Whatdoesthetyrant?
CAITHNESS.GreatDunsinanehestronglyfortifies.
Somesayhe’smad;othersthatlesserhatehim
Docallitvaliantfury;but,forcertain,
Hecannotbucklehisdistemper ’dcause
Withinthebeltofrule.
ANGUS.Nowdoeshefeel
Hissecretmurdersstickingonhishands;
Nowminutelyrevoltsupbraidhisfaith-breach;
Thosehecommandsmoveonlyincommand,
Nothinginlove;nowdoeshefeelhistitle
Hanglooseabouthim,likeagiant’srobe
Uponadwarfishthief.
MENTEITH.Whothenshallblame
Hispester ’dsensestorecoilandstart,
Whenallthatiswithinhimdoescondemn
Itselfforbeingthere?
CAITHNESS.Well,marchweon,
Togiveobediencewhere’tistrulyow’d;
Meetwethemedicineofthesicklyweal,
Andwithhimpourweinourcountry’spurge
Eachdropofus.
LENNOX.Orsomuchasitneeds
Todewthesovereignfloweranddrowntheweeds.
MakeweourmarchtowardsBirnam.Exeunt,marching
SCENETHREE
Dunsinane.ARoomintheCastle.
EnterMacbeth,Doctor,andAttendants
MACBETH.Bringmenomorereports;letthemflyall:
TillBirnamwoodremovetoDunsinane
Icannottaintwithfear.What’stheboyMalcolm?
Washenotbornofwoman?Thespiritsthatknow
Allmortalconsequenceshavepronounc’dmethus:
‘Fearnot,Macbeth;nomanthat’sbornofwoman
Shalle’erhavepoweruponthee.’Thenfly,falsethanes,
AndminglewiththeEnglishepicures:
ThemindIswaybyandtheheartIbear
Shallneversagwithdoubtnorshakewithfear.
EnteraServant
Thedevildamntheeblack,thoucream-fac’dloon!
Wheregott’stthouthatgooselook?
SERVANT.Thereistenthousand—
MACBETH.Geese,villain?
SERVANT.Soldiers,sir.
MACBETH.Go,prickthyface,andover-redthyfear,
Thoulily-liver ’dboy.Whatsoldiers,patch?
Deathofthysoul!thoselinencheeksofthine
Arecounsellorstofear.Whatsoldiers,whey-face?
SERVANT.TheEnglishforce,sopleaseyou.
MACBETH.Takethyfacehence.(ExitServant)Seyton!—
Iamsickatheart
WhenIbehold—Seyton,Isay!—Thispush
Willcheermeeverordisseatmenow.
Ihaveliv’dlongenough:mywayoflife
Isfall’nintothesear,theyellowleaf;
Andthatwhichshouldaccompanyoldage,
Ashonour,love,obedience,troopsoffriends,
Imustnotlooktohave;but,intheirstead,
Curses,notloudbutdeep,mouth-honour,breath,
Whichthepoorheartwouldfaindeny,anddarenot.
Seyton!
EnterSeyton
SEYTON .Whatisyourgraciouspleasure?
MACBETH.Whatnewsmore?
SEYTON .Allisconfirm’d,mylord,whichwasreported.
MACBETH.I’llfighttillfrommybonesmyfleshbehack’d.
Givememyarmour.
SEYTON .’Tisnotneededyet.
MACBETH.I’llputiton.
Sendoutmorehorses,skirrthecountryround;
Hangthosethattalkoffear.Givememinearmour.
Howdoesyourpatient,doctor?
DOCTOR.Notsosick,mylord,
Assheistroubledwiththick-comingfancies,
Thatkeepherfromherrest.
MACBETH.Cureherofthat:
Canstthounotministertoaminddiseas’d,
Pluckfromthememoryarootedsorrow,
Razeoutthewrittentroublesofthebrain,
Andwithsomesweetobliviousantidote
Cleansethestuff’dbosomofthatperilousstuff
Whichweighsupontheheart?
DOCTOR.Thereinthepatient
Mustministertohimself.
MACBETH.Throwphysictothedogs;I’llnoneofit.
Come,putminearmouron;givememystaff.
Seyton,sendout.—Doctor,thethanesflyfromme.—
Come,sir,dispatch.—Ifthoucouldst,doctor,cast
Thewaterofmyland,findherdisease,
Andpurgeittoasoundandpristinehealth,
Iwouldapplaudtheetotheveryecho,
Thatshouldapplaudagain.—Pull’toff,Isay.—
Whatrhubarb,senna,orwhatpurgativedrug
WouldscourtheseEnglishhence?Hear ’stthouofthem?
DOCTOR.Ay,mygoodlord;yourroyalpreparation
Makesushearsomething.
MACBETH.Bringitafterme.
Iwillnotbeafraidofdeathandbane
TillBirnamforestcometoDunsinane.
DOCTOR.(Aside)WereIfromDunsinaneawayandclear,
Profitagainshouldhardlydrawmehere.Exeunt
SCENEFOUR
CountrynearBirnamWood.
Enter,withdrumandcolours,Malcolm,OldSiwardand
hisSon,Macduff,Menteith,Caithness,Angus,Lennox,
Ross,andSoldiers,marching
MALCOLM .Cousins,Ihopethedaysarenearathand
Thatchamberswillbesafe.
MENTEITH.Wedoubtitnothing.
SIWARD.Whatwoodisthisbeforeus?
MENTEITH.ThewoodofBirnam.
MALCOLM .Leteverysoldierhewhimdownabough
Andbear’tbeforehim:therebyshallweshadow
Thenumbersofourhost,andmakediscovery
Errinreportofus.
SOLDIERS.Itshallbedone.
SIWARD.Welearnnootherbuttheconfidenttyrant
KeepsstillinDunsinane,andwillendure
Oursettingdownbefore’t.
MALCOLM .’Tishismainhope;
Forwherethereisadvantagetobegiven,
Bothmoreandlesshavegivenhimtherevolt,
Andnoneservewithhimbutconstrainedthings
Whoseheartsareabsenttoo.
MACDUFF.Letourjustcensures
Attendthetrueevent,andputweon
Industrioussoldiership.
SIWARD.Thetimeapproaches
Thatwillwithduedecisionmakeusknow
Whatweshallsaywehaveandwhatweowe.
Thoughtsspeculativetheirunsurehopesrelate,
Butcertainissuestrokesmustarbitrate,
Towardswhichadvancethewar.Exeunt,marching
SCENEFIVE
Dunsinane.WithintheCastle.
Enter,withdrumandcolours,Macbeth,Seyton,
andSoldiers
MACBETH.Hangoutourbannersontheoutwardwalls;
Thecryisstill,‘Theycome’;ourcastle’sstrength
Willlaughasiegetoscorn;hereletthemlie
Tillfamineandtheagueeatthemup;
Weretheynotforc’dwiththosethatshouldbeours,
Wemighthavemetthemdareful,beardtobeard,
Andbeatthembackwardhome.Acryofwomenwithin
Whatisthatnoise?
SEYTON .Itisthecryofwomen,mygoodlord.Exit
MACBETH.Ihavealmostforgotthetasteoffears.
Thetimehasbeenmysenseswouldhavecool’d
Tohearanight-shriek,andmyfellofhair
Wouldatadismaltreatiserouseandstir
Aslifewerein’t.Ihavesupp’dfullwithhorrors;
Direness,familiartomyslaughterousthoughts,
Cannotoncestartme.
Re-enterSeyton
Whereforewasthatcry?
SEYTON .Thequeen,mylord,isdead.
MACBETH.Sheshouldhavediedhereafter;
Therewouldhavebeenatimeforsuchaword.
To-morrow,andto-morrow,andto-morrow,
Creepsinthispettypacefromdaytoday,
Tothelastsyllableofrecordedtime;
Andallouryesterdayshavelightedfools
Thewaytodustydeath.Out,out,briefcandle!
Life’sbutawalkingshadow,apoorplayer
Thatstrutsandfretshishouruponthestage,
Andthenisheardnomore;itisatale
Toldbyanidiot,fullofsoundandfury,
Signifyingnothing.EnteraMessenger
Thoucom’sttousethytongue;thystoryquickly.
MESSENGER.Graciousmylord,
IshouldreportthatwhichIsayIsaw,
Butknownothowtodoit.
MACBETH.Well,say,sir,
MESSENGER.AsIdidstandmywatchuponthehill,
Ilook’dtowardsBirnam,andanon,methought,
Thewoodbegantomove.
MACBETH.Liarandslave!
MESSENGER.Letmeendureyourwrathif’tbenotso:
Withinthisthreemilemayyouseeitcoming;
Isay,amovinggrove.
MACBETH.Ifthouspeak’stfalse,
Uponthenexttreeshaltthouhangalive,
Tillfamineclingthee;ifthyspeechbesooth,
Icarenotifthoudostformeasmuch.
Ipullinresolutionandbegin
Todoubttheequivocationofthefiend
Thatliesliketruth;‘Fearnot,tillBirnamwood
DocometoDunsinane’;andnowawood
ComestowardDunsinane.Arm,arm,andout!
Ifthiswhichheavouchesdoesappear,
Thereisnorflyinghence,nortarryinghere.
I’gintobeawearyofthesun,
Andwishtheestateo’theworldwerenowundone.
Ringthealarum-bell!Blow,wind!come,wrack!
Atleastwe’lldiewithharnessonourback.Exeunt
SCENESIX
Dunsinane.APlainbeforetheCastle.
Enter,withdrumandcolours,
Malcolm,OldSiward,Macduff,&c.,andtheirArmy,withboughs
MALCOLM .Nownearenough;yourleavyscreensthrow
down,
Andshowlikethoseyouare.You,worthyuncle,
Shall,withmycousin,yourright-nobleson,
Leadourfirstbattle;worthyMacduffandwe
Shalltakeupon’swhatelseremainstodo,
Accordingtoourorder.
SIWARD.Fareyouwell.
Dowebutfindthetyrant’spowerto-night,
Letusbebeaten,ifwecannotfight.
MACDUFF.Makeallourtrumpetsspeak;givethemall
breath,
Thoseclamorousharbingersofbloodanddeath.Exeunt
SCENESEVEN
AnotherPartofthePlain.
Alarums.EnterMacbeth
MACBETH.Theyhavetiedmetoastake;Icannotfly,
Butbear-likeImustfightthecourse.What’she
Thatwasnotbornofwoman?Suchaone
AmItofear,ornone.
EnterYoungSiward
YOUNGSIWARD.Whatisthyname?
MACBETH.Thou’ltbeafraidtohearit.
YOUNGSIWARD.No;thoughthoucall’stthyselfahotter
name
Thananyisinhell.
MACBETH.Myname’sMacbeth.
YOUNGSIWARD.Thedevilhimselfcouldnotpronouncea
title
Morehatefultomineear.
MACBETH.No,normorefearful.
YOUNGSIWARD.Thouliest,abhorredtyrant;withmysword
I’llprovetheliethouspeak’st.
Theyfight,andYoungSiwardisslain
MACBETH.Thouwastbornofwoman:
ButswordsIsmileat,weaponslaughtoscorn,
Brandish’dbymanthat’sofawomanborn.Exit
Alarums.EnterMacduff
MACDUFF.Thatwaythenoiseis.Tyrant,showthyface:
Ifthoube’stslainandwithnostrokeofmine,
Mywifeandchildren’sghostswillhauntmestill.
Icannotstrikeatwretchedkerns,whosearms
Arehir ’dtobeartheirstaves:eitherthou,Macbeth,
Orelsemyswordwithanunbatter ’dedge
Isheatheagainundeeded.Therethoushouldstbe;
Bythisgreatclatter,oneofgreatestnote
Seemsbruited.Letmefindhim,fortune!
AndmoreIbegnot.Exit.Alarums
EnterMalcolmandOldSiward
SIWARD.Thisway,mylord;thecastle’sgentlyrender ’d:
Thetyrant’speopleonbothsidesdofight;
Thenoblethanesdobravelyinthewar;
Thedayalmostitselfprofessesyours,
Andlittleistodo.
MALCOLM .Wehavemetwithfoes
Thatstrikebesideus.
SIWARD.Enter,sir,thecastle.
Exeunt.Alarums
Re-enterMacbeth
MACBETH.WhyshouldIplaytheRomanfool,anddie
Onmineownsword?whilstIseelives,thegashes
Dobetteruponthem.
Re-enterMacduff
MACDUFF.Turn,hell-hound,turn!
MACBETH.OfallmenelseIhaveavoidedthee:
Butgettheeback,mysoulistoomuchcharg’d
Withbloodofthinealready.
MACDUFF.Ihavenowords;
Myvoiceisinmysword,thoubloodiervillain
Thantermscangivetheeout!Theyfight
MACBETH.Thoulosestlabour:
Aseasymaystthoutheintrenchantair
Withthykeenswordimpressasmakemebleed:
Letfallthybladeonvulnerablecrests;
Ibearacharmedlife,whichmustnotyield
Tooneofwomanborn.
MACDUFF.Despairthycharm;
Andlettheangelwhomthoustillhastserv’d
Tellthee,Macduffwasfromhismother ’swomb
Untimelyripp’d.
MACBETH.Accursedbethattonguethattellsmeso,
Forithathcow’dmybetterpartofman:
Andbethesejugglingfiendsnomorebeliev’d,
Thatpalterwithusinadoublesense;
Thatkeepthewordofpromisetoourear,
Andbreakittoourhope.I’llnotfightwiththee.
MACDUFF.Thenyieldthee,coward,
Andlivetobetheshowandgazeo’thetime:
We’llhavethee,asourrarermonstersare,
Painteduponapole,andunderwrit,
‘Heremayyouseethetyrant.’
MACBETH.Iwillnotyield,
TokissthegroundbeforeyoungMalcolm’sfeet,
Andtobebaitedwiththerabble’scurse.
ThoughBirnamwoodbecometoDunsinane,
Andthouoppos’d,beingofnowomanborn,
YetIwilltrythelast:beforemybody
Ithrowmywarlikeshield.Layon,Macduff,
Anddamn’dbehimthatfirstcries,‘Hold,enough!’
Exeuntfighting
Retreat.Flourish.Re-enter,withdrumandcolours,
Malcolm,OldSiward,Ross,Thanes,andSoldiers
MALCOLM .Iwouldthefriendswemissweresafearriv’d.
SIWARD.Somemustgooff;andyet,bytheseIsee,
Sogreatadayasthisischeaplybought.
MALCOLM .Macduffismissing,andyournobleson.
ROSS.Yourson,mylord,haspaidasoldier ’sdebt:
Heonlyliv’dbuttillhewasaman;
Thewhichnosoonerhadhisprowessconfirm’d
Intheunshrinkingstationwherehefought,
Butlikeamanhedied.
SIWARD.Thenheisdead?
ROSS.Ay,andbroughtoffthefield.Yourcauseofsorrow
Mustnotbemeasur ’dbyhisworth,forthen
Ithathnoend.
SIWARD.Hadhehishurtsbefore?
ROSS.Ay,onthefront.
SIWARD.Whythen,God’ssoldierbehe!
HadIasmanysonsasIhavehairs,
Iwouldnotwishthemtoafairerdeath:
Andso,hisknellisknoll’d.
MALCOLM .He’sworthmoresorrow,
AndthatI’llspendforhim.
SIWARD.He’sworthnomore;
Theysay,hepartedwell,andpaidhisscore:
Andso,Godbewithhim!Herecomesnewercomfort.
Re-enterMacduff,withMacbeth’shead
MACDUFF.Hail,king!forsothouart.Behold,wherestands
Theusurper ’scursedhead:thetimeisfree:
Iseetheecompass’dwiththykingdom’spearl,
Thatspeakmysalutationintheirminds;
WhosevoicesIdesirealoudwithmine;
Hail,KingofScotland!
ALL.Hail,KingofScotland!
Flourish
MALCOLM .Weshallnotspendalargeexpenseoftime
Beforewereckonwithyourseveralloves,
Andmakeusevenwithyou.Mythanesandkinsmen,
Henceforthbeearls,thefirstthateverScotland
Insuchanhonournam’d.What’smoretodo,
Whichwouldbeplantednewlywiththetime,
Ascallinghomeourexil’dfriendsabroad
Thatfledthesnaresofwatchfultyranny;
Producingforththecruelministers
Ofthisdeadbutcherandhisfiend-likequeen,
Who,as’tisthought,byselfandviolenthands
Tookoffherlife;this,andwhatneedfulelse
Thatcallsuponus,bythegraceofGrace
Wewillperforminmeasure,time,andplace:
So,thankstoallatonceandtoeachone,
Whomweinvitetoseeuscrown’datScone.
Flourish.Exeunt
HAMLETPRINCEOFDENMARK
CASTOFCHARACTERS
CLAUDIUS,KingofDenmark
HAMLET,Sontothelate,andNephewtothe
presentKing
FORTINBRAS,PrinceofNorway
HORATIO,FriendtoHamlet
POLONIUS,LordChamberlain
LAERTES,hisSon
VOLTIMAND
CORNELIUS
ROSENCRANTZ
Courtiers
GUILDENSTERN
OSRIC
AGentleman
APriest
MARCELLUS
BERNARDO
Officers
FRANCISCO,asoldier
REYNALDO,ServanttoPolonius
ACaptain
EnglishAmbassadors
Players.TwoClowns,Grave-diggers
GERTRUDE,QueenofDenmark,andMotherto
Hamlet
OPHELIA,DaughtertoPolonius
GhostofHamlet’sFather
Lords,Ladies,Officers,Soldiers,Sailors,Messengers,andAttendants
SCENE
Elsinore
ACTONE
SCENEONE
Elsinore.APlatformbeforetheCastle.
Franciscoathispost.EntertohimBernardo
BERNARDO.Who’sthere?
FRANCISCO.Nay,answerme;stand,andunfoldyourself.
BERNARDO.Longlivetheking!
FRANCISCO.Bernardo?
BERNARDO.He.
FRANCISCO.Youcomemostcarefullyuponyourhour.
BERNARDO.’Tisnowstrucktwelve;gettheetobed,Fran-
cisco.
FRANCISCO.Forthisreliefmuchthanks;’tisbittercold,
AndIamsickatheart.
BERNARDO.Haveyouhadquietguard?
FRANCISCO.Notamousestirring.
BERNARDO.Well,good-night.
IfyoudomeetHoratioandMarcellus,
Therivalsofmywatch,bidthemmakehaste.
FRANCISCO.IthinkIhearthem.Stand,ho!Who’sthere?
EnterHoratioandMarcellus
HORATIO.Friendstothisground.
MARCELLUS.AndliegementotheDane.
FRANCISCO.Giveyougood-night.
MARCELLUS.O!farewell,honestsoldier:
Whohathreliev’dyou?
FRANCISCO.Bernardohasmyplace.
Giveyougood-night.Exit
MARCELLUS.Holla!Bernardo!
BERNARDO.Say—
What!isHoratiothere?
HORATIO.Apieceofhim.
BERNARDO.Welcome,Horatio;welcome,goodMarcellus.
MARCELLUS.What!hasthisthingappear ’dagainto-night?
BERNARDO.Ihaveseennothing.
MARCELLUS.Horatiosays’tisbutourfantasy,
Andwillnotletbelieftakeholdofhim
Touchingthisdreadedsighttwiceseenofus:
ThereforeIhaveentreatedhimalong
Withustowatchtheminutesofthisnight;
Thatifagainthisapparitioncome,
Hemayapproveoureyesandspeaktoit.
HORATIO.Tush,tush!’twillnotappear.
BERNARDO.Sitdownawhile,
Andletusonceagainassailyourears,
Thataresofortifiedagainstourstory,
Whatwetwonightshaveseen.
HORATIO.Well,sitwedown,
AndletushearBernardospeakofthis.
BERNARDO.Lastnightofall,
Whenyondsamestarthat’swestwardfromthepole
Hadmadehiscoursetoillumethatpartofheaven
Wherenowitburns,Marcellusandmyself,
Thebellthenbeatingone,—
MARCELLUS.Peace!breaktheeoff;look,whereitcomes
again!
EnterGhost
BERNARDO.Inthesamefigure,likethekingthat’sdead.
MARCELLUS.Thouartascholar;speaktoit,Horatio.
BERNARDO.Looksitnotliketheking?markit,Horatio.
HORATIO.Mostlike:itharrowsmewithfearandwonder.
BERNARDO.Itwouldbespoketo.
MARCELLUS.Questionit,Horatio.
HORATIO.Whatartthouthatusurp’stthistimeofnight,
Togetherwiththatfairandwarlikeform
InwhichthemajestyofburiedDenmark
Didsometimesmarch?byheavenIchargethee,speak!
MARCELLUS.Itisoffended.
BERNARDO.See!itstalksaway.
HORATIO.Stay!speak,speak!Ichargethee,speak!
ExitGhost
MARCELLUS.’Tisgone,andwillnotanswer.
BERNARDO.Hownow,Horatio!youtrembleandlookpale:
Isnotthissomethingmorethanfantasy?
Whatthinkyouon’t?
HORATIO.BeforemyGod,Imightnotthisbelieve
Withoutthesensibleandtrueavouch
Ofmineowneyes.
MARCELLUS.Isitnotliketheking?
HORATIO.Asthouarttothyself:
Suchwastheveryarmourhehadon
WhenhetheambitiousNorwaycombated;
Sofrown’dheonce,when,inanangryparle,
HesmotethesleddedPolacksontheice.
’Tisstrange.
MARCELLUS.Thustwicebefore,andjumpatthisdeadhour,
Withmartialstalkhathhegonebyourwatch.
HORATIO.InwhatparticularthoughttoworkIknownot;
Butinthegrossandscopeofmyopinion,
Thisbodessomestrangeeruptiontoourstate.
MARCELLUS.Goodnow,sitdown,andtellme,hethatknows,
Whythissamestrictandmostobservantwatch
Sonightlytoilsthesubjectoftheland;
Andwhysuchdailycastofbrazencannon,
Andforeignmartforimplementsofwar;
Whysuchimpressofshipwrights,whosesoretask
DoesnotdividetheSundayfromtheweek;
Whatmightbetoward,thatthissweatyhaste
Dothmakethenightjoint-labourerwiththeday:
Whois’tthatcaninformme?
HORATIO.ThatcanI;
Atleast,thewhispergoesso.Ourlastking,
Whoseimageevenbutnowappear ’dtous,
Was,asyouknow,byFortinbrasofNorway,
Theretoprick’donbyamostemulatepride,
Dar ’dtothecombat;inwhichourvaliantHamlet—
Forsothissideofourknownworldesteem’dhim—
DidslaythisFortinbras;who,byaseal’dcompact,
Wellratifiedbylawandheraldry,
Didforfeitwithhislifeallthosehislands
Whichhestoodseiz’dof,totheconqueror;
Againstthewhich,amoietycompetent
Wasgagedbyourking;whichhadreturn’d
TotheinheritanceofFortinbras,
Hadhebeenvanquisher;as,bythesamecovenant,
Andcarriageofthearticledesign’d,
HisfelltoHamlet.Now,sir,youngFortinbras,
Ofunimprovedmettlehotandfull,
HathintheskirtsofNorwayhereandthere
Shark’dupalistoflawlessresolutes,
Forfoodanddiet,tosomeenterprise
Thathathastomachin’t;whichisnoother—
Asitdothwellappearuntoourstate—
Buttorecoverofus,bystronghand
Andtermscompulsative,thoseforsaidlands
Sobyhisfatherlost.Andthis,Itakeit,
Isthemainmotiveofourpreparations,
Thesourceofthisourwatchandthechiefhead
Ofthispost-hasteandromageintheland.
BERNARDO.Ithinkitbenootherbute’enso;
Wellmayitsortthatthisportentousfigure
Comesarmedthroughourwatch,soliketheking
Thatwasandisthequestionofthesewars.
HORATIO.Amoteitistotroublethemind’seye.
InthemosthighandpalmystateofRome,
AlittleerethemightiestJuliusfell,
Thegravesstoodtenantlessandthesheeteddead
DidsqueakandgibberintheRomanstreets;
Asstarswithtrainsoffireanddewsofblood,
Disastersinthesun;andthemoiststar
UponwhoseinfluenceNeptune’sempirestands
Wassickalmosttodoomsdaywitheclipse;
Andeventhelikeprecurseoffierceevents,
Asharbingersprecedingstillthefates
Andprologuetotheomencomingon,
Haveheavenandearthtogetherdemonstrated
Untoourclimaturesandcountrymen.
But,soft!behold!lo!whereitcomesagain.
Re-enterGhost
I’llcrossit,thoughitblastme.Stay,illusion!
Ifthouhastanysound,oruseofvoice,
Speaktome:
Iftherebeanygoodthingtobedone,
Thatmaytotheedoeaseandgracetome,
Speaktome:
Ifthouartprivytothycountry’sfate,
Whichhappilyforeknowingmayavoid,
O!speak;
Orifthouhastuphoardedinthylife
Extortedtreasureinthewombofearth,
Forwhich,theysay,youspiritsoftwalkindeath,
Cockcrows
Speakofit:stay,andspeak!Stopit,Marcellus.
MARCELLUS.ShallIstrikeatitwithmypartisan?
HORATIO.Do,ifitwillnotstand.
BERNARDO.’Tishere!
HORATIO.’Tishere!ExitGhost
MARCELLUS.’Tisgone!
Wedoitwrong,beingsomajestical,
Toofferittheshowofviolence;
Foritis,astheair,invulnerable,
Andourvainblowsmaliciousmockery.
BERNARDO.Itwasabouttospeakwhenthecockcrew.
HORATIO.Andthenitstartedlikeaguiltything
Uponafearfulsummons.Ihaveheard
Thecock,thatisthetrumpettothemorn,
Dothwithhisloftyandshrill-soundingthroat
Awakethegodofday;andathiswarning,
Whetherinseaorfire,inearthorair,
Theextravagantanderringspirithies
Tohisconfine;andofthetruthherein
Thispresentobjectmadeprobation.
MARCELLUS.Itfadedonthecrowingofthecock.
Somesaythatever’gainstthatseasoncomes
WhereinourSaviour ’sbirthiscelebrated,
Thebirdofdawningsingethallnightlong;
Andthen,theysay,nospiritcanwalkabroad;
Thenightsarewholesome;thennoplanetsstrike,
Nofairytakes,norwitchhathpowertocharm,
Sohallow’dandsograciousisthetime.
HORATIO.SohaveIheardanddoinpartbelieveit.
But,look,themorninrussetmantleclad,
Walkso’erthedewofyonhigheasternhill;
Breakweourwatchup;andbymyadvice
Letusimpartwhatwehaveseento-night
UntoyoungHamlet;for,uponmylife,
Thisspirit,dumbtous,willspeaktohim.
Doyouconsentweshallacquainthimwithit,
Asneedfulinourloves,fittingourduty?
MARCELLUS.Let’sdo’t,Ipray;andIthismorningknow
Whereweshallfindhimmostconveniently.Exeunt
SCENETWO
ARoomofStateintheCastle.
EntertheKing,Queen,Hamlet,Polonius,Laertes,Volti-
mand,Cornelius,Lords,andAttendants
KING.ThoughyetofHamletourdearbrother ’sdeath
Thememorybegreen,andthatitusbefitted
Tobearourheartsingriefandourwholekingdom
Tobecontractedinonebrowofwoe,
Yetsofarhathdiscretionfoughtwithnature
Thatwewithwisestsorrowthinkonhim,
Togetherwithremembranceofourselves.
Thereforeoursometimesister,nowourqueen,
Theimperialjointressofthiswarlikestate,
Havewe,as’twerewithadefeatedjoy,
Withoneauspiciousandonedroppingeye,
Withmirthinfuneralandwithdirgeinmarriage,
Inequalscaleweighingdelightanddole,
Takentowife:norhavewehereinbarr ’d
Yourbetterwisdoms,whichhavefreelygone
Withthisaffairalong:forall,ourthanks.
Nowfollows,thatyouknow,youngFortinbras,
Holdingaweaksupposalofourworth,
Orthinkingbyourlatedearbrother ’sdeath
Ourstatetobedisjointandoutofframe,
Colleaguedwiththedreamofhisadvantage,
Hehathnotfail’dtopesteruswithmessage,
Importingthesurrenderofthoselands
Lostbyhisfather,withallbandsoflaw,
Toourmostvaliantbrother.Somuchforhim.
Nowforourselfandforthistimeofmeeting.
Thusmuchthebusinessis:wehaveherewrit
ToNorway,uncleofyoungFortinbras,
Who,impotentandbed-rid,scarcelyhears
Ofthishisnephew’spurpose,tosuppress
Hisfurthergaitherein;inthatthelevies,
Thelistsandfullproportions,areallmade
Outofhissubject;andweheredispatch
You,goodCornelius,andyou,Voltimand,
ForbearersofthisgreetingtooldNorway,
Givingtoyounofurtherpersonalpower
Tobusinesswiththekingmorethanthescope
Ofthesedelatedarticlesallow.
Farewellandletyourhastecommendyourduty.
CORNELIUS.
VOLTIMAND.
Inthatandallthingswillweshowourduty.
KING.Wedoubtitnothing:heartilyfarewell.
ExeuntVoltimandandCornelius
Andnow,Laertes,what’sthenewswithyou?
Youtoldusofsomesuit;whatis’t,Laertes?
YoucannotspeakofreasontotheDane,
Andloseyourvoice;whatwouldstthoubeg,Laertes,
Thatshallnotbemyoffer,notthyasking?
Theheadisnotmorenativetotheheart,
Thehandmoreinstrumentaltothemouth,
ThanisthethroneofDenmarktothyfather.
Whatwouldstthouhave,Laertes?
LAERTES.Dreadmylord,
YourleaveandfavourtoreturntoFrance;
FromwhencethoughwillinglyIcametoDenmark,
Toshowmydutyinyourcoronation,
Yetnow,Imustconfess,thatdutydone,
MythoughtsandwishesbendagaintowardFrance
Andbowthemtoyourgraciousleaveandpardon.
KING.Haveyouyourfather ’sleave?WhatsaysPolonius?
POLONIUS.Hehath,mylord,wrungfrommemyslowleave
Bylaboursomepetition,andatlast
UponhiswillIseal’dmyhardconsent:
Idobeseechyou,givehimleavetogo.
KING.Takethyfairhour,Laertes;timebethine,
Andthybestgracesspenditatthywill.
Butnow,mycousinHamlet,andmyson,—
HAMLET.(Aside)Alittlemorethankin,andlessthankind.
KING.Howisitthatthecloudsstillhangonyou?
HAMLET.Notso,mylord;Iamtoomuchi’thesun.
QUEEN .GoodHamlet,castthynightedcolouroff,
AndletthineeyelooklikeafriendonDenmark.
Donotforeverwiththyvailedlids
Seekforthynoblefatherinthedust:
Thouknow’st’tiscommon;allthatlivemustdie,
Passingthroughnaturetoeternity.
HAMLET.Ay,madam,itiscommon.
QUEEN .Ifitbe,
Whyseemsitsoparticularwiththee?
HAMLET.Seems,madam!Nay,itis;Iknownot‘seems.’
’Tisnotalonemyinkycloak,goodmother,
Norcustomarysuitsofsolemnblack,
Norwindysuspirationofforc’dbreath,
No,northefruitfulriverintheeye,
Northedejectedhaviourofthevisage,
Togetherwithallforms,modes,showsofgrief,
Thatcandenotemetruly;theseindeedseem,
Fortheyareactionsthatamanmightplay:
ButIhavethatwithinwhichpassethshow;
Thesebutthetrappingsandthesuitsofwoe.
KING.’Tissweetandcommendableinyournature,Hamlet,
Togivethesemourningdutiestoyourfather:
But,youmustknow,yourfatherlostafather;
Thatfatherlost,losthis;andthesurvivorbound
Infilialobligationforsometerm
Todoobsequioussorrow;buttopersever
Inobstinatecondolementisacourse
Ofimpiousstubbornness;’tisunmanlygrief:
Itshowsawillmostincorrecttoheaven,
Aheartunfortified,amindimpatient,
Anunderstandingsimpleandunschool’d:
Forwhatweknowmustbeandisascommon
Asanythemostvulgarthingtosense,
Whyshouldweinourpeevishopposition
Takeittoheart?Fie!’tisafaulttoheaven,
Afaultagainstthedead,afaulttonature,
Toreasonmostabsurd,whosecommontheme
Isdeathoffathers,andwhostillhathcried,
Fromthefirstcorsetillhethatdiedto-day,
‘Thismustbeso.’Weprayyou,throwtoearth
Thisunprevailingwoe,andthinkofus
Asofafather;forlettheworldtakenote,
Youarethemostimmediatetoourthrone;
Andwithnolessnobilityoflove
Thanthatwhichdearestfatherbearshisson
DoIimparttowardyou.Foryourintent
IngoingbacktoschoolinWittenberg,
Itismostretrogradetoourdesire;
Andwebeseechyou,bendyoutoremain
Here,inthecheerandcomfortofoureye,
Ourchiefestcourtier,cousin,andourson.
QUEEN .Letnotthymotherloseherprayers,Hamlet:
Ipraythee,staywithus;gonottoWittenberg.
HAMLET.Ishallinallmybestobeyyou,madam.
KING.Why,’tisalovingandafairreply:
BeasourselfinDenmark.Madam,come;
Thisgentleandunforc’daccordofHamlet
Sitssmilingtomyheart;ingracewhereof,
NojocundhealththatDenmarkdrinksto-day,
Butthegreatcannontothecloudsshalltell,
Andtheking’srousetheheavensshallbruitagain,
Re-speakingearthlythunder.Comeaway.
ExeuntallexceptHamlet
HAMLET.O!thatthistootoosolidfleshwouldmelt,
Thawandresolveitselfintoadew;
OrthattheEverlastinghadnotfix’d
Hiscanon’gainstself-slaughter!OGod!OGod!
Howweary,stale,flat,andunprofitable
Seemtomealltheusesofthisworld.
Fieon’t!Ofie!’tisanunweededgarden,
Thatgrowstoseed;thingsrankandgrossinnature
Possessitmerely.Thatitshouldcometothis!
Buttwomonthsdead:nay,notsomuch,nottwo:
Soexcellentaking;thatwas,tothis,
Hyperiontoasatyr;solovingtomymother
Thathemightnotbeteemthewindsofheaven
Visitherfacetooroughly.Heavenandearth!
MustIremember?why,shewouldhangonhim,
Asifincreaseofappetitehadgrown
Bywhatitfedon;andyet,withinamonth,
Letmenotthinkon’t:Frailty,thynameiswoman!
Alittlemonth;orerethoseshoeswereold
Withwhichshefollow’dmypoorfather ’sbody,
LikeNiobe,alltears;whyshe,evenshe,—
OGod!abeast,thatwantsdiscourseofreason,
Wouldhavemourn’dlonger,—marriedwithmineuncle,
Myfather ’sbrother,butnomorelikemyfather
ThanItoHercules:withinamonth,
Ereyetthesaltofmostunrighteoustears
Hadlefttheflushinginhergalledeyes,
Shemarried.O!mostwickedspeed,topost
Withsuchdexteritytoincestuoussheets.
Itisnotnoritcannotcometogood;
Butbreak,myheart,forImustholdmytongue!
EnterHoratio,Marcellus,andBernardo
HORATIO.Hailtoyourlordship!
HAMLET.Iamgladtoseeyouwell:
Horatio,orIdoforgetmyself.
HORATIO.Thesame,mylord,andyourpoorservantever.
HAMLET.Sir,mygoodfriend;I’llchangethatnamewith
you.
AndwhatmakeyoufromWittenberg,Horatio?
Marcellus?
MARCELLUS.Mygoodlord,—
HAMLET.Iamverygladtoseeyou.(ToBernardo)Good
even,sir.
Butwhat,infaith,makeyoufromWittenberg?
HORATIO.Atruantdisposition,goodmylord.
HAMLET.Iwouldnothearyourenemysayso,
Norshallyoudomineearthatviolence,
Tomakeittrusterofyourownreport
Againstyourself;Iknowyouarenotruant.
ButwhatisyouraffairinElsinore?
We’llteachyoutodrinkdeepereyoudepart.
HORATIO.Mylord,Icametoseeyourfather ’sfuneral.
HAMLET.Ipraythee,donotmockme,fellow-student;
Ithinkitwastoseemymother ’swedding.
HORATIO.Indeed,mylord,itfollow’dhardupon.
HAMLET.Thrift,thrift,Horatio!thefuneralbak’dmeats
Didcoldlyfurnishforththemarriagetables.
WouldIhadmetmydearestfoeinheaven
EreIhadeverseenthatday,Horatio!
Myfather,methinksIseemyfather.
HORATIO.O!where,mylord?
HAMLET.Inmymind’seye,Horatio.
HORATIO.Isawhimonce;hewasagoodlyking.
HAMLET.Hewasaman,takehimforallinall,
Ishallnotlookuponhislikeagain.
HORATIO.Mylord,IthinkIsawhimyesternight.
HAMLET.Sawwho?
HORATIO.Mylord,thekingyourfather.
HAMLET.Theking,myfather!
HORATIO.Seasonyouradmirationforawhile
Withanattentear,tillImaydeliver,
Uponthewitnessofthesegentlemen,
Thismarveltoyou.
HAMLET.ForGod’slove,letmehear.
HORATIO.Twonightstogetherhadthesegentlemen,
MarcellusandBernardoontheirwatch,
Inthedeadvastandmiddleofthenight,
Beenthusencounter ’d:afigurelikeyourfather,
Armedatpointsexactly,cap-a-pe,
Appearsbeforethem,andwithsolemnmarch
Goesslowandstatelybythem:thricehewalk’d
Bytheiroppress’dandfear-surprisedeyes,
Withinhistruncheon’slength;whilstthey,distill’d
Almosttojellywiththeactoffear,
Standdumbandspeaknottohim.Thistome
Indreadfulsecrecyimparttheydid,
AndIwiththemthethirdnightkeptthewatch;
Where,astheyhaddeliver ’d,bothintime,
Formofthething,eachwordmadetrueandgood,
Theapparitioncomes.Iknewyourfather;
Thesehandsarenotmorelike.
HAMLET.Butwherewasthis?
MARCELLUS.Mylord,upontheplatformwherewewatch’d.
HAMLET.Didyounotspeaktoit?
HORATIO.Mylord,Idid
Butanswermadeitnone;yetoncemethought
Itliftedupitsheadanddidaddress
Itselftomotion,likeasitwouldspeak;
Buteventhenthemorningcockcrewloud,
Andatthesounditshrunkinhasteaway
Andvanish’dfromoursight.
HAMLET.’Tisverystrange.
HORATIO.AsIdolive,myhonour ’dlord,’tistrue;
Andwedidthinkitwritdowninourduty
Toletyouknowofit.
HAMLET.Indeed,indeed,sirs,butthistroublesme.
Holdyouthewatchto-night?
MARCELLUS.
Wedo,mylord.
BERNARDO.
HAMLET.Arm’d,sayyou?
MARCELLUS.
Arm’d,mylord.
BERNARDO.
HAMLET.Fromtoptotoe?
MARCELLUS.
BERNARDO.
Mylord,fromheadtofoot.
HAMLET.Thensawyounothisface?
HORATIO.Oyes!mylord;heworehisbeaverup.
HAMLET.What!look’dhefrowningly?
HORATIO.Acountenancemoreinsorrowthaninanger.
HAMLET.Paleorred?
HORATIO.Nay,verypale.
HAMLET.Andfix’dhiseyesuponyou?
HORATIO.Mostconstantly.
HAMLET.IwouldIhadbeenthere.
HORATIO.Itwouldhavemuchamaz’dyou.
HAMLET.Verylike,verylike.Stay’ditlong?
HORATIO.Whileonewithmoderatehastemighttellahun-
dred.
MARCELLUS.
BERNARDO.
Longer,longer.
HORATIO.NotwhenIsawit.
HAMLET.Hisbeardwasgrizzled,no?
HORATIO.ItWas,asIhaveseenitinhislife,
Asablesilver ’d.
HAMLET.Iwillwatchto-night;
Perchance’twillwalkagain.
HORATIO.Iwarrantitwill.
HAMLET.Ifitassumemynoblefather ’sperson,
I’llspeaktoit,thoughhellitselfshouldgape
Andbidmeholdmypeace.Iprayyouall,
Ifyouhavehithertoconceal’dthissight,
Letitbetenableinyoursilencestill;
Andwhatsoeverelseshallhapto-night,
Giveitanunderstanding,butnotongue:
Iwillrequiteyourloves.So,fareyouwell.
Upontheplatform,’twixtelevenandtwelve,
I’llvisityou.
ALL.Ourdutytoyourhonour.
HAMLET.Yourloves,asminetoyou.Farewell.
ExeuntHoratio,Marcellus,andBernardo
Myfather ’sspiritinarms!allisnotwell;
Idoubtsomefoulplay:wouldthenightwerecome!
Tillthensitstill,mysoul:fouldeedswillrise,
Thoughalltheeartho’erwhelmthem,tomen’seyes.
Exit
SCENETHREE
ARoominPolonius’House.
EnterLaertesandOphelia
LAERTES.Mynecessariesareembark’d;farewell:
And,sister,asthewindsgivebenefit
Andconvoyisassistant,donotsleep,
Butletmehearfromyou.
OPHELIA.Doyoudoubtthat?
LAERTES.ForHamlet,andthetriflingofhisfavour,
Holditafashionandatoyinblood,
Avioletintheyouthofprimynature,
Forward,notpermanent,sweet,notlasting,
Theperfumeandsupplianceofaminute;
Nomore.
OPHELIA.Nomorebutso?
LAERTES.Thinkitnomore:
Fornature,crescent,doesnotgrowalone
Inthewsandbulk;but,asthistemplewaxes,
Theinwardserviceofthemindandsoul
Growswidewithal.Perhapshelovesyounow,
Andnownosoilnorcauteldothbesmirch
Thevirtueofhiswill;butyoumustfear,
Hisgreatnessweigh’d,hiswillisnothisown,
Forhehimselfissubjecttohisbirth;
Hemaynot,asunvalu’dpersonsdo,
Carveforhimself,foronhischoicedepends
Thesafetyandthehealthofthewholestate;
Andthereforemusthischoicebecircumscrib’d
Untothevoiceandyieldingofthatbody
Whereofheisthehead.Thenifhesayshelovesyou,
Itfitsyourwisdomsofartobelieveit
Asheinhisparticularactandplace
Maygivehissayingdeed;whichisnofurther
ThanthemainvoiceofDenmarkgoeswithal.
Thenweighwhatlossyourhonourmaysustain,
Ifwithtoocredentearyoulisthissongs,
Orloseyourheart,oryourchastetreasureopen
Tohisunmaster ’dimportunity.
Fearit,Ophelia,fearit,mydearsister;
Andkeepyouintherearofyouraffection,
Outoftheshotanddangerofdesire.
Thechariestmaidisprodigalenough
Ifsheunmaskherbeautytothemoon;
Virtueherself’scapesnotcalumniousstrokes;
Thecankergallstheinfantsofthespring
Toooftbeforetheirbuttonsbedisclos’d,
Andinthemornandliquiddewofyouth
Contagiousblastmentsaremostimminent.
Bewarythen;bestsafetyliesinfear:
Youthtoitselfrebels,thoughnoneelsenear.
OPHELIA.Ishalltheeffectofthisgoodlessonkeep,
Aswatchmantomyheart.But,goodmybrother,
Donot,assomeungraciouspastorsdo,
Showmethesteepandthornywaytoheaven,
Whiles,likeapuff’dandrecklesslibertine,
Himselftheprimrosepathofdalliancetreads,
Andrecksnothisownrede.
LAERTES.O!fearmenot.
Istaytoolong;butheremyfathercomes.
EnterPolonius
Adoubleblessingisadoublegrace;
Occasionsmilesuponasecondleave.
POLONIUS.Yethere,Laertes!aboard,aboard,forshame!
Thewindsitsintheshoulderofyoursail,
Andyouarestay’dfor.There,myblessingwiththee!
Andthesefewpreceptsinthymemory
Lookthoucharacter.Givethythoughtsnotongue.
Noranyunproportion’dthoughthisact.
Bethoufamiliar,butbynomeansvulgar;
Thefriendsthouhast,andtheiradoptiontried,
Grapplethemtothysoulwithhoopsofsteel;
Butdonotdullthypalmwithentertainment
Ofeachnew-hatch’d,unfledg’dcomrade.Beware
Ofentrancetoaquarrel,but,beingin,
Bear’tthatth’opposedmaybewareofthee.
Giveeverymanthineear,butfewthyvoice;
Takeeachman’scensure,butreservethyjudgment.
Costlythyhabitasthypursecanbuy,
Butnotexpress’dinfancy;rich,notgaudy;
Fortheappareloftproclaimstheman,
AndtheyinFranceofthebestrankandstation
Aremostselectandgenerous,chiefinthat.
Neitheraborrower,noralenderbe;
Forloanoftlosesbothitselfandfriend,
Andborrowingdullstheedgeofhusbandry.
Thisaboveall:tothineownselfbetrue,
Anditmustfollow,asthenighttheday,
Thoucanstnotthenbefalsetoanyman.
Farewell;myblessingseasonthisinthee!
LAERTES.MosthumblydoItakemyleave,mylord.
POLONIUS.Thetimeinvitesyou;go,yourservantstend.
LAERTES.Farewell,Ophelia;andrememberwell
WhatIhavesaidtoyou.
OPHELIA.’Tisinmymemorylock’d,
Andyouyourselfshallkeepthekeyofit.
LAERTES.Farewell.Exit
POLONIUS.Whatis’t,Ophelia,hehathsaidtoyou?
OPHELIA.Sopleaseyou,somethingtouchingtheLord
Hamlet.
POLONIUS.Marry,wellbethought:
’Tistoldme,hehathveryoftoflate
Givenprivatetimetoyou;andyouyourself
Haveofyouraudiencebeenmostfreeandbounteous.
Ifitbeso,—asso’tisputonme,
Andthatinwayofcaution,—Imusttellyou,
Youdonotunderstandyourselfsoclearly
Asitbehovesmydaughterandyourhonour.
Whatisbetweenyou?Givemeupthetruth.
OPHELIA.Hehath,mylord,oflatemademanytenders
Ofhisaffectiontome.
POLONIUS.Affection!pooh!youspeaklikeagreengirl,
Unsiftedinsuchperilouscircumstance.
Doyoubelievehistenders,asyoucallthem?
OPHELIA.Idonotknow,mylord,whatIshouldthink.
POLONIUS.Marry,I’llteachyou:thinkyourselfababy,
Thatyouhaveta’enthesetendersfortruepay,
Whicharenotsterling.Tenderyourselfmoredearly;
Or,—nottocrackthewindofthepoorphrase,
Runningitthus,—you’lltendermeafool.
OPHELIA.Mylord,hehathimportun’dmewithlove
Inhonourablefashion.
POLONIUS.Ay,fashionyoumaycallit:goto,goto.
OPHELIA.Andhathgivencountenancetohisspeech,my
lord,
Withalmostalltheholyvowsofheaven.
POLONIUS.Ay,springestocatchwoodcocks.Idoknow,
Whenthebloodburns,howprodigalthesoul
Lendsthetonguevows:theseblazes,daughter,
Givingmorelightthanheat,extinctinboth,
Evenintheirpromise,asitisa-making,
Youmustnottakeforfire.Fromthistime
Besomewhatscanterofyourmaidenpresence;
Setyourentreatmentsatahigherrate
Thanacommandtoparley.ForLordHamlet,
Believesomuchinhim,thatheisyoung,
Andwithalargertethermayhewalk
Thanmaybegivenyou:infew,Ophelia,
Donotbelievehisvows,fortheyarebrokers,
Notofthatdyewhichtheirinvestmentsshow,
Butmereimploratorsofunholysuits,
Breathinglikesanctifiedandpiousbawds,
Thebettertobeguile.Thisisforall:
Iwouldnot,inplainterms,fromthistimeforth,
Haveyousoslanderanymoment’sleisure,
AstogivewordsortalkwiththeLordHamlet.
Lookto’t,Ichargeyou,comeyourways.
OPHELIA.Ishallobey,mylord.Exeunt
SCENEFOUR
ThePlatform.
EnterHamlet,Horatio,andMarcellus
HAMLET.Theairbitesshrewdly;itisverycold.
HORATIO.Itisanippingandaneagerair.
HAMLET.Whathournow?
HORATIO.Ithinkitlacksoftwelve.
MARCELLUS.No,itisstruck.
HORATIO.Indeed?Ihearditnot:thenitdrawsnearthe
season
Whereinthespiritheldhiswonttowalk.
Aflourishoftrumpets,andordnanceshotoff,within
Whatdoesthismean,mylord?
HAMLET.Thekingdothwaketo-nightandtakeshisrouse,
Keepswassail,andtheswaggeringup-springreels;
And,ashedrainshisdraughtsofRhenishdown,
Thekettle-drumandtrumpetthusbrayout
Thetriumphofhispledge.
HORATIO.Isitacustom?
HAMLET.Ay,marry,is’t:
Buttomymind,—thoughIamnativehere
Andtothemannerborn,—itisacustom
Morehonour ’dinthebreachthantheobservance.
Thisheavy-headedreveleastandwest
Makesustraduc’dandtax’dofothernations;
Theyclepeusdrunkards,andwithswinishphrase
Soilouraddition;andindeedittakes
Fromourachievements,thoughperform’datheight,
Thepithandmarrowofourattribute.
So,oftitchancesinparticularmen,
Thatforsomeviciousmoleofnatureinthem,
As,intheirbirth,—whereintheyarenotguilty,
Sincenaturecannotchoosehisorigin,—
Bytheo’ergrowthofsomecomplexion,
Oftbreakingdownthepalesandfortsofreason,
Orbysomehabitthattoomucho’er-leavens
Theformofplausivemanners;thatthesemen,
Carrying,Isay,thestampofonedefect,
Beingnature’slivery,orfortune’sstar,
Theirvirtueselse,betheyaspureasgrace,
Asinfiniteasmanmayundergo,
Shallinthegeneralcensuretakecorruption
Fromthatparticularfault:thedramofeale
Dothallthenoblesubstanceofadoubt,
Tohisownscandal.
EnterGhost
HORATIO.Look,mylord,itcomes.
HAMLET.Angelsandministersofgracedefendus!
Bethouaspiritofhealthorgoblindamn’d,
Bringwiththeeairsfromheavenorblastsfromhell,
Bethyintentswickedorcharitable,
Thoucomestinsuchaquestionableshape
ThatIwillspeaktothee:I’llcalltheeHamlet,
King,father;royalDane,O!answerme:
Letmenotburstinignorance;buttell
Whythycanoniz’dbones,hearsedindeath,
Havebursttheircerements;whythesepulchre,
Whereinwesawtheequietlyinurn’d,
Hathop’dhisponderousandmarblejaws,
Tocasttheeupagain.Whatmaythismean,
Thatthou,deadcorse,againincompletesteel
Revisit’stthustheglimpsesofthemoon,
Makingnighthideous;andwefoolsofnature
Sohorridlytoshakeourdisposition
Withthoughtsbeyondthereachesofoursouls?
Say,whyisthis?wherefore?whatshouldwedo?
TheGhostbeckonsHamlet
HORATIO.Itbeckonsyoutogoawaywithit,
Asifitsomeimpartmentdiddesire
Toyoualone.
MARCELLUS.Look,withwhatcourteousaction
Itwavesyoutoamoreremovedground:
Butdonotgowithit.
HORATIO.No,bynomeans.
HAMLET.Itwillnotspeak;thenwillIfollowit.
HORATIO.Donot,mylord.
HAMLET.Why,whatshouldbethefear?
Idonotsetmylifeatapin’sfee;
Andformysoul,whatcanitdotothat,
Beingathingimmortalasitself?
Itwavesmeforthagain;I’llfollowit.
HORATIO.Whatifittemptyoutowardtheflood,mylord,
Ortothedreadfulsummitofthecliff
Thatbeetleso’erhisbaseintothesea,
Andthereassumesomeotherhorribleform,
Whichmightdepriveyoursovereigntyofreason
Anddrawyouintomadness?thinkofit;
Theveryplaceputstoysofdesperation,
Withoutmoremotive,intoeverybrain
Thatlookssomanyfathomstothesea
Andhearsitroarbeneath.
HAMLET.Itwavesmestill.Goon,I’llfollowthee.
MARCELLUS.Youshallnotgo,mylord.
HAMLET.Holdoffyourhands!
HORATIO.Berul’d;youshallnotgo.
HAMLET.Myfatecriesout,
Andmakeseachpettyarteryinthisbody
AshardyastheNemeanlion’snerve.Ghostbeckons
StillamIcall’d.Unhandme,gentlemen.
Breakingfromthem
Byheaven!I’llmakeaghostofhimthatletsme:
Isay,away!Goon,I’llfollowthee.
ExeuntGhostandHamlet
HORATIO.Hewaxesdesperatewithimagination.
MARCELLUS.Let’sfollow;’tisnotfitthustoobeyhim.
HORATIO.Haveafter.Towhatissuewillthiscome?
MARCELLUS.SomethingisrotteninthestateofDenmark.
HORATIO.Heavenwilldirectit.
MARCELLUS.Nay,let’sfollowhim.
Exeunt
SCENEFIVE
AnotherPartofthePlatform.
EnterGhostandHamlet
HAMLET.Whitherwiltthouleadme?Speak!I’llgono
further.
GHOST.Markme.
HAMLET.Iwill.
GHOST.Myhourisalmostcome,
WhenItosulphurousandtormentingflames
Mustrenderupmyself.
HAMLET.Alas!poorghost.
GHOST.Pitymenot,butlendthyserioushearing
TowhatIshallunfold.
HAMLET.Speak;Iamboundtohear.
GHOST.Soartthoutorevenge,whenthoushalthear.
HAMLET.What?
GHOST.Iamthyfather ’sspirit;
Doom’dforacertaintermtowalkthenight,
Andforthedayconfin’dtofastinfires,
Tillthefoulcrimesdoneinmydaysofnature
Areburntandpurg’daway.ButthatIamforbid
Totellthesecretsofmyprison-house,
Icouldataleunfoldwhoselightestword
Wouldharrowupthysoul,freezethyyoungblood,
Makethytwoeyes,likestars,startfromtheirspheres,
Thyknottedandcombinedlockstopart,
Andeachparticularhairtostandanend,
Likequillsuponthefretfulporpentine:
Butthiseternalblazonmustnotbe
Toearsoffleshandblood.List,list,Olist!
Ifthoudidsteverthydearfatherlove—
HAMLET.OGod!
GHOST.Revengehisfoulandmostunnaturalmurder.
HAMLET.Murder!
GHOST.Murdermostfoul,asinthebestitis;
Butthismostfoul,strange,andunnatural.
HAMLET.Hastemetoknow’t,thatI,withwingsasswift
Asmeditationorthethoughtsoflove,
Maysweeptomyrevenge.
GHOST.Ifindtheeapt;
Anddullershouldstthoubethanthefatweed
ThatrotsitselfineaseonLethewharf,
Wouldstthounotstirinthis.Now,Hamlet,hear:
’Tisgivenoutthat,sleepinginmineorchard,
Aserpentstungme;sothewholeearofDenmark
Isbyaforgedprocessofmydeath
Ranklyabus’d;butknow,thounobleyouth,
Theserpentthatdidstingthyfather ’slife
Nowwearshiscrown.
HAMLET.Omypropheticsoul!
Myuncle!
GHOST.Ay,thatincestuous,thatadulteratebeast,
Withwitchcraftofhiswit,withtraitorousgifts,—
Owickedwitandgifts,thathavethepower
Sotoseduce!—wontohisshamefullust
Thewillofmymostseeming-virtuousqueen.
OHamlet!whatafalling-offwasthere;
Fromme,whoselovewasofthatdignity
Thatitwenthandinhandevenwiththevow
Imadetoherinmarriage;andtodecline
Uponawretchwhosenaturalgiftswerepoor
Tothoseofmine!
Butvirtue,asitneverwillbemov’d,
Thoughlewdnesscourtitinashapeofheaven,
Solust,thoughtoaradiantangellink’d,
Willsateitselfinacelestialbed,
Andpreyongarbage.
But,soft!methinksIscentthemorningair;
Briefletmebe.Sleepingwithinmineorchard,
Mycustomalwaysintheafternoon,
Uponmysecurehourthyunclestole,
Withjuiceofcursedhebonainavial,
Andintheporchesofmineearsdidpour
Theleperousdistilment;whoseeffect
Holdssuchanenmitywithbloodofman
Thatswiftasquicksilveritcoursesthrough
Thenaturalgatesandalleysofthebody,
Andwithasuddenvigouritdothposset
Andcurd,likeeagerdroppingsintomilk,
Thethinandwholesomeblood:sodiditmine;
Andamostinstanttetterbark’dabout,
Mostlazar-like,withvileandloathsomecrust,
Allmysmoothbody.
ThuswasI,sleeping,byabrother ’shand,
Oflife,ofcrown,ofqueen,atoncedispatch’d;
Cutoffevenintheblossomsofmysin,
Unhousel’d,disappointed,unanel’d,
Noreckoningmade,butsenttomyaccount
Withallmyimperfectionsonmyhead:
O,horrible!O,horrible!mosthorrible!
Ifthouhastnatureinthee,bearitnot;
LetnottheroyalbedofDenmarkbe
Acouchforluxuryanddamnedincest.
But,howsoeverthoupursuestthisact,
Taintnotthymind,norletthysoulcontrive
Againstthymotheraught;leavehertoheaven,
Andtothosethornsthatinherbosomlodge,
Toprickandstingher.Faretheewellatonce!
Theglow-wormshowsthematintobenear,
And’ginstopalehisuneffectualfire;
Adieu,adieu!Hamlet,rememberme.Exit
HAMLET.Oallyouhostofheaven!Oearth!Whatelse?
AndshallIcouplehell?Ofie!Hold,hold,myheart!
Andyou,mysinews,grownotinstantold,
Butbearmestifflyup!Rememberthee!
Ay,thoupoorghost,whilememoryholdsaseat
Inthisdistractedglobe.Rememberthee!
Yea,fromthetableofmymemory
I’llwipeawayalltrivialfondrecords,
Allsawsofbooks,allforms,allpressurespast,
Thatyouthandobservationcopiedthere;
Andthycommandmentallaloneshalllive
Withinthebookandvolumeofmybrain,
Unmix’dwithbasermatter:yes,byheaven!
Omostperniciouswoman!
Ovillain,villain,smiling,damnedvillain!
Mytables,—meetitisIsetitdown,
Thatonemaysmile,andsmile,andbeavillain;
AtleastI’msureitmaybesoinDenmark:Writing
So,uncle,thereyouare.Nowtomyword;
Itis,‘Adieu,adieu!rememberme.’
Ihavesworn’t.
HORATIO.(Within)Mylord!mylord!
MARCELLUS.(Within)LordHamlet!
HORATIO.(Within)Heavensecurehim.
MARCELLUS.(Within)Sobeit!
HORATIO.(Within)Hillo,hoho,mylord!
HAMLET.Hillo,ho,ho,boy!come,bird,come.
EnterHoratioandMarcellus
MARCELLUS.Howis’t,mynoblelord?
HORATIO.Whatnews,mylord?
HAMLET.O!wonderful.
HORATIO.Goodmylord,tellit.
HAMLET.No,youwillrevealit.
HORATIO.NotI,mylord,byheaven!
MARCELLUS.NorI,mylord.
HAMLET.Howsayyou,then;wouldheartofmanonce
thinkit?
Butyou’llbesecret?
HORATIO.
Ay,byheaven,mylord.
MARCELLUS.
HAMLET.There’sne’eravillaindwellinginallDenmark,
Buthe’sanarrantknave.
HORATIO.Thereneedsnoghost,mylord,comefromthe
grave,
Totellusthis.
HAMLET.Why,right;youarei’theright;
Andso,withoutmorecircumstanceatall,
Iholditfitthatweshakehandsandpart;
You,asyourbusinessanddesireshallpointyou,—
Foreverymanhathbusinessanddesire,
Suchasitis,—and,formineownpoorpart,
Lookyou,I’llgopray.
HORATIO.Thesearebutwildandwhirlingwords,mylord.
HAMLET.Iamsorrytheyoffendyou,heartily;
Yes,faith,heartily.
HORATIO.There’snooffence,mylord.
HAMLET.Yes,bySaintPatrick,butthereis,Horatio,
Andmuchoffence,too.Touchingthisvisionhere,
Itisanhonestghost,thatletmetellyou;
Foryourdesiretoknowwhatisbetweenus,
O’ermaster’tasyoumay.Andnow,goodfriends,
Asyouarefriends,scholars,andsoldiers,
Givemeonepoorrequest.
HORATIO.Whatis’t,mylord?wewill.
HAMLET.Nevermakeknownwhatyouhaveseentonight.
HORATIO.
MARCELLUS.
Mylord,wewillnot.
HAMLET.Nay,butswear’t
HORATIO.Infaith,
Mylord,notI.
MARCELLUS.NorI,mylord,infaith.
HAMLET.Uponmysword.
MARCELLUS.Wehavesworn,mylord,already.
HAMLET.Indeed,uponmysword,indeed.
GHOST.(Beneath)Swear.
HAMLET.Ah,ha,boy!say’stthouso?artthouthere,true-
penny?
Comeon,—Youhearthisfellowinthecellarage,—
Consenttoswear.
HORATIO.Proposetheoath,mylord.
HAMLET.Nevertospeakofthisthatyouhaveseen,
Swearbymysword.
GHOST.(Beneath)Swear.
HAMLET.Hicetubique?thenwe’llshiftourground.
Comehither,gentlemen,
Andlayyourhandsagainuponmysword:
Nevertospeakofthisthatyouhaveheard,
Swearbymysword.
GHOST.(Beneath)Swear.
HAMLET.Wellsaid,oldmole!canstworki’theearthso
fast?
Aworthypioner!oncemoreremove,goodfriends.
HORATIO.Odayandnight,butthisiswondrousstrange!
HAMLET.Andthereforeasastrangergiveitwelcome.
Therearemorethingsinheavenandearth,Horatio,
Thanaredreamtofinyourphilosophy.
Butcome;
Here,asbefore,never,sohelpyoumercy,
Howstrangeoroddsoe’erIbearmyself,
AsIperchancehereaftershallthinkmeet
Toputananticdispositionon,
Thatyou,atsuchtimesseeingme,nevershall,
Witharmsencumber ’dthus,orthishead-shake,
Orbypronouncingofsomedoubtfulphrase,
As,‘Well,well,weknow,’or,‘Wecould,anifwewould,’
Or,‘ifwelisttospeak,’or,‘Therebe,aniftheymight,’
Orsuchambiguousgivingout,tonote
Thatyouknowaughtofme:thisnottodo,
Sograceandmercyatyourmostneedhelpyou,
Swear.
GHOST.(Beneath)Swear.Theyswear
HAMLET.Rest,rest,perturbedspirit!So,gentlemen,
WithallmyloveIdocommendmetoyou:
AndwhatsopooramanasHamletis
Maydo,toexpresshisloveandfriendingtoyou,
Godwilling,shallnotlack.Letusgointogether;
Andstillyourfingersonyourlips,Ipray.
Thetimeisoutofjoint;Ocursedspite,
ThateverIwasborntosetitright!
Nay,come,let’sgotogether.Exeunt
ACTTWO
SCENEONE
ARoominPolonius’House.
EnterPoloniusandReynaldo
POLONIUS.Givehimthismoneyandthesenotes,Reynaldo.
REYNALDO.Iwill,mylord.
POLONIUS.Youshalldomarvellouswisely,goodReynaldo,
Beforeyouvisithim,tomakeinquiry
Ofhisbehaviour.
REYNALDO.Mylord,Ididintendit.
POLONIUS.Marry,wellsaid,verywellsaid.Lookyou,sir,
InquiremefirstwhatDanskersareinParis;
Andhow,andwho,whatmeans,andwheretheykeep,
Whatcompany,atwhatexpense;andfinding
Bythisencompassmentanddriftofquestion
Thattheydoknowmyson,comeyoumorenearer
Thanyourparticulardemandswilltouchit:
Takeyou,as’twere,somedistantknowledgeofhim;
Asthus,‘Iknowhisfather,andhisfriends,
And,inpart,him’;doyoumarkthis,Reynaldo?
REYNALDO.Ay,verywell,mylord.
POLONIUS.‘And,inpart,him;but,’youmaysay,‘notwell:
Butif’tbeheImean,he’sverywild,
Addictedsoandso’;andthereputonhim
Whatforgeriesyouplease;marry,nonesorank
Asmaydishonourhim;takeheedofthat;
But,sir,suchwanton,wild,andusualslips
Asarecompanionsnotedandmostknown
Toyouthandliberty.
REYNALDO.Asgaming,mylord?
POLONIUS.Ay,ordrinking,fencing,swearing,quarrelling,
Drabbing;youmaygosofar.
REYNALDO.Mylord,thatwoulddishonourhim.
POLONIUS.Faith,no;asyoumayseasonitinthecharge.
Youmustnotputanotherscandalonhim,
Thatheisopentoincontinency;
That’snotmymeaning,butbreathehisfaultssoquaintly
Thattheymayseemthetaintsofliberty,
Theflashandoutbreakofafierymind,
Asavagenessinunreclaimedblood,
Ofgeneralassault.
REYNALDO.But,mygoodlord,—
POLONIUS.Whereforeshouldyoudothis?
REYNALDO.Ay,mylord,
Iwouldknowthat.
POLONIUS.Marry,sir,here’smydrift;
And,Ibelieve,itisafetchofwarrant:
Youlayingtheseslightsulliesonmyson,
As’twereathingalittlesoil’di’theworking,
Markyou,
Yourpartyinconverse,himyouwouldsound,
Havingeverseenintheprenominatecrimes
Theyouthyoubreatheofguilty,beassur ’d,
Hecloseswithyouinthisconsequence;
‘Goodsir,’orso;or‘friend,’or‘gentleman,’
Accordingtothephraseortheaddition
Ofmanandcountry.
REYNALDO.Verygood,mylord.
POLONIUS.Andthen,sir,doeshethis,—hedoes,—whatwas
Iabouttosay?BythemassIwasabouttosaysomething:wheredidIleave?
REYNALDO.At‘closesintheconsequence,’
At‘friendorso,’and‘gentleman.’
POLONIUS.At‘closesintheconsequence,’ay,marry;
Hecloseswithyouthus:‘Iknowthegentleman;
Isawhimyesterday,ort’otherday,
Orthen,orthen;withsuch,orsuch;and,asyousay,
Therewasa’gaming;thereo’ertookin’srouse;
Therefallingoutattennis’;orperchance,
‘Isawhimentersuchahouseofsale,’
Videlicet,abrothel,orsoforth.
Seeyounow;
Yourbaitoffalsehoodtakesthiscarpoftruth;
Andthusdoweofwisdomandofreach,
Withwindlasses,andwithassaysofbias,
Byindirectionsfinddirectionsout:
Sobymyformerlectureandadvice
Shallyoumyson.Youhaveme,haveyounot?
REYNALDO.Mylord,Ihave.
POLONIUS.Godbewi’you;fareyouwell
REYNALDO.Goodmylord!
POLONIUS.Observehisinclinationinyourself.
REYNALDO.Ishall,mylord.
POLONIUS.Andlethimplyhismusic.
REYNALDO.Well,mylord.
POLONIUS.Farewell!ExitReynaldo
EnterOphelia
How,now,Ophelia!What’sthematter?
OPHELIA.Alas!mylord,Ihavebeensoaffrighted.
POLONIUS.Withwhat,inthenameofGod?
OPHELIA.Mylord,asIwassewinginmycloset,
LordHamlet,withhisdoubletallunbrac’d;
Nohatuponhishead;hisstockingsfoul’d,
Ungarter ’d,anddown-gyvedtohisankle;
Paleashisshirt;hiskneesknockingeachother;
Andwithalooksopiteousinpurport
Asifhehadbeenloosedoutofhell
Tospeakofhorrors,hecomesbeforeme.
POLONIUS.Madforthylove?
OPHELIA.Mylord,Idonotknow;
ButtrulyIdofearit.
POLONIUS.Whatsaidhe?
OPHELIA.Hetookmebythewristandheldmehard,
Thengoeshetothelengthofallhisarm,
And,withhisotherhandthuso’erhisbrow,
Hefallstosuchperusalofmyface
Ashewoulddrawit.Longstay’dheso;
Atlast,alittleshakingofminearm,
Andthricehisheadthuswavingupanddown,
Herais’dasighsopiteousandprofound
Thatitdidseemtoshatterallhisbulk
Andendhisbeing.Thatdone,heletsmego,
And,withhisheadoverhisshoulderturn’d,
Heseem’dtofindhiswaywithouthiseyes;
Forouto’doorshewentwithouttheirhelp,
Andtothelastbendedtheirlightonme.
POLONIUS.Come,gowithme;Iwillgoseektheking.
Thisistheveryecstasyoflove,
Whoseviolentpropertyfordoesitself
Andleadsthewilltodesperateundertakings
Asoftasanypassionunderheaven
Thatdoesafflictournatures.Iamsorry.
What!haveyougivenhimanyhardwordsoflate?
OPHELIA.No,mygoodlord;but,asyoudidcommand,
Ididrepelhislettersanddenied
Hisaccesstome.
POLONIUS.Thathathmadehimmad.
Iamsorrythatwithbetterheedandjudgment
Ihadnotquotedhim;Ifear ’dhedidbuttrifle,
Andmeanttowrackthee;but,beshrewmyjealousy!
Byheaven,itisaspropertoourage
Tocastbeyondourselvesinouropinions
Asitiscommonfortheyoungersort
Tolackdiscretion.Come,gowetotheking:
Thismustbeknown;which,beingkeptclose,might
move
Moregrieftohidethanhatetoutterlove.
Come.Exeunt
SCENETWO
ARoomintheCastle.
EnterKing,Queen,Rosencrantz,Guildenstern,and
Attendants
KING.Welcome,dearRosencrantzandGuildenstern!
Moreoverthatwemuchdidlongtoseeyou,
Theneedwehavetouseyoudidprovoke
Ourhastysending.Somethinghaveyouheard
OfHamlet’stransformation;soIcallit,
Sincenortheexteriornortheinwardman
Resemblesthatitwas.Whatitshouldbe
Morethanhisfather ’sdeath,thatthushathputhim
Somuchfromtheunderstandingofhimself,
Icannotdreamof:Ientreatyouboth,
That,beingofsoyoungdaysbroughtupwithhim,
Andsincesoneighbour ’dtohisyouthandhumour,
Thatyouvouchsafeyourresthereinourcourt
Somelittletime;sobyyourcompanies
Todrawhimontopleasures,andtogather,
Somuchasfromoccasionyoumayglean,
Whe’raughttousunknownafflictshimthus,
That,open’d,lieswithinourremedy.
QUEEN .Goodgentlemen,hehathmuchtalk’dofyou;
AndsureIamtwomentherearenotliving
Towhomhemoreadheres.Ifitwillpleaseyou
Toshowussomuchgentryandgoodwill
Astoexpendyourtimewithusawhile,
Forthesupplyandprofitofourhope,
Yourvisitationshallreceivesuchthanks
Asfitsaking’sremembrance.
ROSENCRANTZ.BothyourMajesties
Might,bythesovereignpoweryouhaveofus,
Putyourdreadpleasuresmoreintocommand
Thantoentreaty.
GUILDENSTERN .Butwebothobey,
Andheregiveupourselves,inthefullbent,
Tolayourservicefreelyatyourfeet,
Tobecommanded.
KING.Thanks,RosencrantzandgentleGuildenstern.
QUEEN .Thanks,GuildensternandgentleRosencrantz;
AndIbeseechyouinstantlytovisit
Mytoomuchchangedson.Go,someofyou,
AndbringthesegentlemenwhereHamletis.
GUILDENSTERN .Heavensmakeourpresence,andourprac-
tices
Pleasantandhelpfultohim!
QUEEN .Ay,amen!
ExeuntRosencrantz,Guildenstern,andsomeAttendants
EnterPolonius
POLONIUS.TheambassadorsfromNorway,mygoodlord,
Arejoyfullyreturn’d.
KING.Thoustillhastbeenthefatherofgoodnews.
POLONIUS.HaveI,mylord?Assureyou,mygoodliege,
Iholdmyduty,asIholdmysoul,
BothtomyGodandtomygraciousking;
AndIdothink—orelsethisbrainofmine
Huntsnotthetrailofpolicysosure
Asithathus’dtodo—thatIhavefound
TheverycauseofHamlet’slunacy
KING.O!speakofthat;thatdoIlongtohear.
POLONIUS.Givefirstadmittancetotheambassadors;
Mynewsshallbethefruittothatgreatfeast.
KING.Thyselfdogracetothem,andbringthemin.
ExitPolonius
Hetellsme,mysweetqueen,thathehathfound
Theheadandsourceofallyourson’sdistemper.
QUEEN .Idoubtitisnootherbutthemain;
Hisfather ’sdeath,andouro’erhastymarriage.
KING.Well,weshallsifthim.
Re-enterPolonius,withVoltimandandCornelius
Welcome,mygoodfriends!
Say,Voltimand,whatfromourbrotherNorway?
VOLTIMAND.Mostfairreturnofgreetings,anddesires.
Uponourfirst,hesentouttosuppress
Hisnephew’slevies,whichtohimappear ’d
Tobeapreparation’gainstthePolack;
But,betterlook’dinto,hetrulyfound
ItwasagainstyourHighness:whereatgriev’d,
Thatsohissickness,age,andimpotence
Wasfalselyborneinhand,sendsoutarrests
OnFortinbras;whichhe,inbrief,obeys,
ReceivesrebukefromNorway,and,infine,
Makesvowbeforehisunclenevermore
TogivetheassayofarmsagainstyourMajesty.
WhereonoldNorway,overcomewithjoy,
Giveshimthreethousandcrownsinannualfee,
Andhiscommissiontoemploythosesoldiers,
Soleviedasbefore,againstthePolack;
Withanentreaty,hereinfurthershown,Givingapaper
Thatitmightpleaseyoutogivequietpass
Throughyourdominionsforthisenterprise,
Onsuchregardsofsafetyandallowance
Asthereinaresetdown.
KING.Itlikesuswell;
Andatourmoreconsider ’dtimewe’llread,
Answer,andthinkuponthisbusiness:
Meantimewethankyouforyourwell-tooklabour.
Gotoyourrest;atnightwe’llfeasttogether:
Mostwelcomehome.ExeuntVoltimandandCornelius
POLONIUS.Thisbusinessiswellended.
Myliege,andmadam,toexpostulate
Whatmajestyshouldbe,whatdutyis,
Whydayisday,nightnight,andtimeistime,
Werenothingbuttowastenight,day,andtime.
Therefore,sincebrevityisthesoulofwit,
Andtediousnessthelimbsandoutwardflourishes,
Iwillbebrief.Yournoblesonismad:
MadcallIit;for,todefinetruemadness,
Whatis’tbuttobenothingelsebutmad?
Butletthatgo.
QUEEN .Morematter,withlessart.
POLONIUS.Madam,IswearIusenoartatall.
Thatheismad,’tistrue;’tistrue’tispity;
Andpity’tis’tistrue:afoolishfigure;
Butfarewellit,forIwillusenoart.
Madletusgranthim,then;andnowremains
Thatwefindoutthecauseofthiseffect,
Orrathersay,thecauseofthisdefect,
Forthiseffectdefectivecomesbycause;
Thusitremains,andtheremainderthus.
Perpend.
Ihaveadaughter,havewhilesheismine;
Who,inherdutyandobedience,mark,
Hathgivenmethis:now,gather,andsurmise.
Readstheletter
‘Tothecelestial,andmysoul’sidol,themostbeautified
Ophelia.’—
That’sanillphrase,avile
phrase;‘beautified’isavilephrase;butyoushallhear.Thus:
‘Inherexcellentwhitebosom,these,&c.’—
QUEEN .CamethisfromHamlettoher?
POLONIUS.Goodmadam,stayawhile;Iwillbefaithful.
Reads
‘Doubtthouthestarsarefire;
Doubtthatthesundothmove;
Doubttruthtobealiar;
ButneverdoubtIlove.
‘OdearOphelia!Iamillatthesenumbers:Ihavenot
arttoreckonmygroans;butthatIlovetheebest,Omost
best!believeit.Adieu.
‘Thineevermore,mostdearlady,whilstthismachine
istohim,
‘Hamlet.’
Thisinobediencehathmydaughtershownme;
Andmoreabove,hathhissolicitings,
Astheyfelloutbytime,bymeans,andplace,
Allgiventomineear.
KING.Buthowhathshe
Receiv’dhislove?
POLONIUS.Whatdoyouthinkofme?
KING.Asofamanfaithfulandhonourable.
POLONIUS.Iwouldfainproveso.Butwhatmightyouthink,
WhenIhadseenthishotloveonthewing,—
AsIperceiv’dit,Imusttellyouthat,
Beforemydaughtertoldme,—whatmightyou,
OrmydearMajesty,yourqueenhere,think,
IfIhadplay’dthedeskortable-book,
Orgivenmyheartawinking,muteanddumb,
Orlook’duponthislovewithidlesight;
Whatmightyouthink?No,Iwentroundtowork,
AndmyyoungmistressthusIdidbespeak:
‘LordHamletisaprince,outofthystar;
Thismustnotbe’:andthenIpreceptsgaveher,
Thatsheshouldlockherselffromhisresort,
Admitnomessengers,receivenotokens.
Whichdone,shetookthefruitsofmyadvice;
Andhe,repulsed,—ashorttaletomake,—
Fellintoasadness,thenintoafast,
Thencetoawatch,thenceintoaweakness,
Thencetoalightness;andbythisdeclension
Intothemadnesswhereinnowheraves,
Andallwewailfor.
KING.Doyouthink’tisthis?
QUEEN .Itmaybe,verylikely.
POLONIUS.Haththerebeensuchatime,—I’dfainknow
that,—
ThatIhavepositivelysaid,‘’Tisso,’
Whenitprov’dotherwise?
KING.NotthatIknow.
POLONIUS.Takethisfromthis,ifthisbeotherwise:
Pointingtohisheadandshoulder
Ifcircumstancesleadme,Iwillfind
Wheretruthishid,thoughitwerehidindeed
Withinthecentre.
KING.Howmaywetryitfurther?
POLONIUS.Youknowsometimeshewalksfourhoursto-
gether
Hereinthelobby.
QUEEN .Sohedoesindeed.
POLONIUS.AtsuchatimeI’llloosemydaughtertohim;
BeyouandIbehindanarrasthen;
Marktheencounter;ifhelovehernot,
Andbenotfromhisreasonfallenthereon,
Letmebenoassistantforastate,
Butkeepafarm,andcarters.
KING.Wewilltryit.
QUEEN .Butlook,wheresadlythepoorwretchcomesread-
ing.
POLONIUS.Away!Idobeseechyou,bothaway.
I’llboardhimpresently.
ExeuntKing,Queen,andAttendants
EnterHamlet,reading
givemeleave.
HowdoesmygoodLordHamlet?
HAMLET.Well,Goda-mercy.
POLONIUS.Doyouknowme,mylord?
HAMLET.Excellentwell;youareafishmonger.
POLONIUS.NotI,mylord.
HAMLET.ThenIwouldyouweresohonestaman.
POLONIUS.Honest,mylord!
HAMLET.Ay,sir;tobehonest,asthisworldgoes,istobe
onemanpickedoutoftenthousand.
POLONIUS.That’sverytrue,mylord.
HAMLET.Forifthesunbreedmaggotsinadeaddog,be-
ingagoodkissingcarrion,—Haveyouadaughter?
POLONIUS.Ihave,mylord.
HAMLET.Lethernotwalki’thesun:conceptionisabless-
ing;butnotasyourdaughtermayconceive.Friend,look
to’t.
POLONIUS.(Aside)Howsayyoubythat?Stillharpingon
mydaughter:yetheknewmenotatfirst;hesaidIwasa
fishmonger:heisfargone,fargone:andtrulyinmy
youthIsufferedmuchextremityforlove;verynearthis.
I’llspeaktohimagain.Whatdoyouread,mylord?
HAMLET.Words,words,words.
POLONIUS.Whatisthematter,mylord?
HAMLET.Betweenwho?
POLONIUS.Imeanthematterthatyouread,mylord.
HAMLET.Slanders,sir:forthesatiricalroguesaysherethat
oldmenhavegreybeards,thattheirfacesarewrinkled,
theireyespurgingthickamberandplum-treegum,and
thattheyhaveaplentifullackofwit,togetherwithmost
weakhams:allwhich,sir,thoughImostpowerfullyand
potentlybelieve,yetIholditnothonestytohaveitthus
setdown;foryouyourself,sir,shouldbeoldasIam,if,
likeacrab,youcouldgobackward.
POLONIUS.(Aside)Thoughthisbemadness,yetthereis
methodin’t.Willyouwalkoutoftheair,mylord?
HAMLET.Intomygrave?
POLONIUS.Indeed,thatisouto’theair.(Aside)Howpre-
gnantsometimeshisrepliesare!ahappinessthatoften
madnesshitson,whichreasonandsanitycouldnotso
prosperouslybedeliveredof.Iwillleavehim,andsuddenlycontrivethemeansofmeetingbetweenhimand
mydaughter.Myhonourablelord,Iwillmosthumbly
takemyleaveofyou.
HAMLET.Youcannot,sir,takefrommeanythingthatI
willmorewillinglypartwithal;exceptmylife,exceptmy
life,exceptmylife.
POLONIUS.Fareyouwell,mylord.Going
HAMLET.Thesetediousoldfools!
EnterRosencrantzandGuildenstern
POLONIUS.YougotoseektheLordHamlet;thereheis.
ROSENCRANTZ.(ToPolonius)Godsaveyou,sir!
ExitPolonius
GUILDENSTERN .Minehonouredlord!
ROSENCRANTZ.Mymostdearlord!
HAMLET.Myexcellentgoodfriends!Howdostthou,Guil-
denstern?Ah,Rosencrantz!Goodlads,howdoyeboth?
ROSENCRANTZ.Astheindifferentchildrenoftheearth.
GUILDENSTERN .Happyinthatwearenotoverhappy;
OnFortune’scapwearenottheverybutton.
HAMLET.Northesolesofhershoe?
ROSENCRANTZ.Neither,mylord.
HAMLET.Thenyouliveaboutherwaist,orinthemiddle
ofherfavours?
GUILDENSTERN .Faith,herprivateswe.
HAMLET.InthesecretpartsofFortune?O!mosttrue;she
isastrumpet.Whatnews?
ROSENCRANTZ.None,mylord,butthattheworld’sgrown
honest.
HAMLET.Thenisdoomsdaynear;butyournewsisnottrue.
Letmequestionmoreinparticular:whathaveyou,my
goodfriends,deservedatthehandsofFortune,thatshe
sendsyoutoprisonhither?
GUILDENSTERN .Prison,mylord!
HAMLET.Denmark’saprison.
ROSENCRANTZ.Thenistheworldone.
HAMLET.Agoodlyone;inwhichtherearemanyconfines,
wards,anddungeons,Denmarkbeingoneo’theworst
ROSENCRANTZ.Wethinknotso,mylord.
HAMLET.Why,then,’tisnonetoyou;forthereisnothing
eithergoodorbad,butthinkingmakesitso:tomeitisa
prison.
ROSENCRANTZ.Why,thenyourambitionmakesitone;’tis
toonarrowforyourmind.
HAMLET.OGod!Icouldbeboundedinanutshell,and
countmyselfakingofinfinitespace,wereitnotthatI
havebaddreams.
GUILDENSTERN .Whichdreams,indeed,areambition,for
theverysubstanceoftheambitiousismerelytheshadow
ofadream.
HAMLET.Adreamitselfisbutashadow.
ROSENCRANTZ.Truly,andIholdambitionofsoairyand
lightaqualitythatitisbutashadow’sshadow.
HAMLET.Thenareourbeggarsbodies,andourmonarchs
andoutstretchedheroesthebeggars’shadows.Shallwe
tothecourt?for,bymyfay,Icannotreason.
ROSENCRANTZ.
GUILDENSTERN .
We’llwaituponyou.
HAMLET.Nosuchmatter;Iwillnotsortyouwiththerest
ofmyservants,for,tospeaktoyoulikeanhonestman,
Iammostdreadfullyattended.But,inthebeatenway
offriendship,whatmakeyouatElsinore?
ROSENCRANTZ.Tovisityou,mylord;nootheroccasion.
HAMLET.BeggarthatIam,Iamevenpoorinthanks;but
Ithankyou:andsure,dearfriends,mythanksaretoo
dearahalfpenny.Wereyounotsentfor?Isityourown
inclining?Isitafreevisitation?Come,come,dealjustly
withme:come,come;nay,speak.
GUILDENSTERN .Whatshouldwesay,mylord?
HAMLET.Whyanything,buttothepurpose.Youweresent
for;andthereisakindofconfessioninyourlookswhich
yourmodestieshavenotcraftenoughtocolour:Iknow
thegoodkingandqueenhavesentforyou.
ROSENCRANTZ.Towhatend,mylord?
HAMLET.Thatyoumustteachme.Butletmeconjureyou,
bytherightsofourfellowship,bytheconsonancyofour
youth,bytheobligationofourever-preservedlove,and
bywhatmoredearabetterproposercouldchargeyou
withal,beevenanddirectwithme,whetheryouwere
sentfororno!
ROSENCRANTZ.(AsidetoGuildenstern)Whatsayyou?
HAMLET.(Aside)Nay,then,Ihaveaneyeofyou.Ifyou
loveme,holdnotoff.
GUILDENSTERN .Mylord,weweresentfor.
HAMLET.Iwilltellyouwhy;soshallmyanticipationpre-
ventyourdiscovery,andyoursecrecytothekingand
queenmoultnofeather.Ihaveoflate,—butwhereforeI
knownot,—lostallmymirth,forgoneallcustomofexercises;andindeeditgoessoheavilywithmydisposition
thatthisgoodlyframe,theearth,seemstomeasterile
promontory;thismostexcellentcanopy,theair,lookyou,
thisbraveo’erhangingfirmament,thismajesticalroof
frettedwithgoldenfire,why,itappearsnootherthing
tomebutafoulandpestilentcongregationofvapours.
Whatapieceofworkisaman!Hownobleinreason!
howinfiniteinfaculty!inform,inmoving,howexpress
andadmirable!inactionhowlikeanangel!inapprehensionhowlikeagod!thebeautyoftheworld!the
paragonofanimals!Andyet,tome,whatisthisquintessenceofdust?mandelightsnotme;no,norwoman
neither,though,byyoursmiling,youseemtosayso.
ROSENCRANTZ.Mylord,therewasnosuchstuffinmy
thoughts.
HAMLET.Whydidyoulaughthen,whenIsaid,‘mande-
lightsnotme’?
ROSENCRANTZ.Tothink,mylord,ifyoudelightnotinman,
whatlentenentertainmenttheplayersshallreceivefrom
you:wecotedthemontheway;andhitherarethey
coming,toofferyouservice.
HAMLET.Hethatplaysthekingshallbewelcome;hisMaj-
estyshallhavetributeofme;theadventurousknight
shallusehisfoilandtarget;thelovershallnotsighgratis;
thehumorousmanshallendhispartinpeace;theclown
shallmakethoselaughwhoselungsaretickleo’thesere;
andtheladyshallsayhermindfreely,ortheblankverse
shallhaltfor’t.Whatplayersarethey?
ROSENCRANTZ.Eventhoseyouwerewonttotakedelightin,
thetragediansofthecity.
HAMLET.Howchancesittheytravel?theirresidence,both
inreputationandprofit,wasbetterbothways.
ROSENCRANTZ.Ithinktheirinhibitioncomesbythemeans
ofthelateinnovation.
HAMLET.Dotheyholdthesameestimationtheydidwhen
Iwasinthecity?Aretheysofollowed?
ROSENCRANTZ.No,indeedtheyarenot.
HAMLET.Howcomesit?Dotheygrowrusty?
ROSENCRANTZ.Nay,theirendeavourkeepsinthewonted
pace:butthereis,sir,anaeryofchildren,littleeyases,
thatcryoutonthetopofquestion,andaremosttyrannicallyclappedfor’t:thesearenowthefashion,andso
berattlethecommonstages,—sotheycallthem,—that
manywearingrapiersareafraidofgoose-quills,anddare
scarcecomethither.
HAMLET.What!aretheychildren?whomaintains’em?
howaretheyescoted?Willtheypursuethequalityno
longerthantheycansing?willtheynotsayafterwards,
iftheyshouldgrowthemselvestocommonplayers,—as
itismostlike,iftheirmeansarenobetter,—theirwriters
dothemwrong,tomakethemexplainagainsttheirown
succession?
ROSENCRANTZ.Faith,therehasbeenmuchto-doonboth
sides:andthenationholdsitnosintotarrethemtocontroversy:therewas,forawhile,nomoneybidforargument,unlessthepoetandtheplayerwenttocuffsinthe
question.
HAMLET.Isitpossible?
GUILDENSTERN .O!therehasbeenmuchthrowingaboutof
brains.
HAMLET.Dotheboyscarryitaway?
ROSENCRANTZ.Ay,thattheydo,mylord;Herculesandhis
loadtoo.
HAMLET.Itisnotverystrange;formyuncleisKingof
Denmark,andthosethatwouldmakemowsathimwhile
myfatherlived,givetwenty,forty,fifty,ahundredducatsa-pieceforhispictureinlittle.’Sblood,thereissomethinginthismorethannatural,ifphilosophycouldfind
itout.Flourishoftrumpetswithin
GUILDENSTERN .Therearetheplayers.
HAMLET.Gentlemen,youarewelcometoElsinore.Your
hands,comethen;theappurtenanceofwelcomeisfashionandceremony:letmecomplywithyouinthisgarb,
lestmyextenttotheplayers—which,Itellyou,must
showfairlyoutward—shouldmoreappearlikeentertainmentthanyours.Youarewelcome;butmyuncle-father
andaunt-motheraredeceived.
GUILDENSTERN .Inwhat,mydearlord?
HAMLET.Iambutmadnorth-north-west:whenthewindis
southerlyIknowahawkfromahandsaw.
EnterPolonius
POLONIUS.Wellbewithyou,gentlemen!
HAMLET.Harkyou,Guildenstern;andyoutoo;ateachear
ahearer:thatgreatbabyyouseethereisnotyetoutof
hisswaddling-clouts.
ROSENCRANTZ.Happilyhe’sthesecondtimecometo
them;fortheysayanoldmanistwiceachild.
HAMLET.Iwillprophesyhecomestotellmeoftheplayers;
markit.Yousayright,sir;o’Mondaymorning;’twasso
indeed.
POLONIUS.Mylord,Ihavenewstotellyou.
HAMLET.Mylord,Ihavenewstotellyou.WhenRoscius
wasanactorinRome,—
POLONIUS.Theactorsarecomehither,mylord.
HAMLET.Buzz,buzz!
POLONIUS.Uponmyhonour,—
HAMLET.Thencameeachactoronhisass,—
POLONIUS.Thebestactorsintheworld,eitherfortragedy,
comedy,history,pastoral,pastoral-comical,historicalpastoral,tragical-historical,tragical-comical-historicalpastoral,sceneindividable,orpoemunlimited:Seneca
cannotbetooheavy,norPlautustoolight.Forthelaw
ofwritandtheliberty,thesearetheonlymen.
HAMLET.OJephthah,judgeofIsrael,whatatreasurehadst
thou!
POLONIUS.Whatatreasurehadhe,mylord?
HAMLET.Why
‘Onefairdaughterandnomore,
Thewhichhelovedpassingwell.’
POLONIUS.(Aside)Stillonmydaughter.
HAMLET.AmInoti’theright,oldJephthah?
POLONIUS.IfyoucallmeJephthah,mylord,Ihavea
daughterthatIlovepassingwell.
HAMLET.Nay,thatfollowsnot.
POLONIUS.Whatfollows,then,mylord?
HAMLET.Why,
‘Asbylot,Godwot.’
Andthen,youknow,
‘Itcametopass,asmostlikeitwas.’—
Thefirstrowofthepiouschansonwillshowyoumore:
forlookwheremyabridgmentcomes.
EnterfourorfivePlayers
Youarewelcome,masters;welcomeall.Iamgladtosee
theewell:welcome,goodfriends.O,myoldfriend!ThyfaceisvalancedsinceIsawtheelast:comest
thouto
beardmeinDenmark?What!myyoungladyandmistress!By’rlady,yourladyshipisnearerheaventhan
whenIsawyoulast,bythealtitudeofachopine.Pray
God,yourvoice,likeapieceofuncurrentgold,benot
crackedwithinthering.Masters,youareallwelcome.
We’lle’ento’tlikeFrenchfalconers,flyatanythingwe
see:we’llhaveaspeechstraight.Come,giveusataste
ofyourquality;come,apassionatespeech.
FIRSTPLAYER.Whatspeech,mygoodlord?
HAMLET.Iheardtheespeakmeaspeechonce,butitwas
neveracted;or,ifitwas,notaboveonce;fortheplay,I
remember,pleasednotthemillion;’twascaviaretothe
general:butitwas—asIreceivedit,andothers,whose
judgmentsinsuchmatterscriedinthetopofmine—an
excellentplay,welldigestedinthescenes,setdownwith
asmuchmodestyascunning.Irememberonesaidthere
werenosalletsinthelinestomakethemattersavoury,
nornomatterinthephrasethatmightindicttheauthor
ofaffectation;butcalleditanhonestmethod,aswholesomeassweet,andbyverymuchmorehandsomethan
fine.OnespeechinitIchieflyloved;’twasÆneas’taleto
Dido;andthereaboutofitespecially,wherehespeaks
ofPriam’sslaughter.Ifitliveinyourmemory,beginat
thisline:letmesee,letmesee:—
‘TheruggedPyrrhus,liketheHyrcanianbeast,’
’tisnotso,itbeginswithPyrrhus:—
‘TheruggedPyrrhus,he,whosesablearm,
Blackashispurpose,didthenightresemble
Whenhelaycouchedintheominoushorse,
Hathnowthisdreadandblackcomplexionsmear ’d
Withheraldrymoredismal;headtofoot
Nowishetotalgules;horridlytrick’d
Withbloodoffathers,mothers,daughters,sons,
Bak’dandimpastedwiththeparchingstreets
Thatlendatyrannousanddamnedlight
Totheirvilemurders:roastedinwrathandfire,
Andthuso’er-sizedwithcoagulategore,
Witheyeslikecarbuncles,thehellishPyrrhus
OldgrandsirePriamseeks.’
Soproceedyou.
POLONIUS.’ForeGod,mylord,wellspoken;withgoodac-
centandgooddiscretion.
FIRSTPLAYER.‘Anon,hefindshim
StrikingtooshortatGreeks;hisantiquesword,
Rebellioustohisarm,lieswhereitfalls,
Repugnanttocommand.Unequalmatch’d,
PyrrhusatPriamdrives;inragestrikeswide;
Butwiththewhiffandwindofhisfellsword
Theunnervedfatherfalls.ThensenselessIlium,
Seemingtofeelthisblow,withflamingtop
Stoopstohisbase,andwithahideouscrash
TakesprisonerPyrrhus’ear:forlo!hissword,
Whichwasdecliningonthemilkyhead
OfreverendPriam,seem’di’theairtostick:
So,asapaintedtyrant,Pyrrhusstood,
Andlikeaneutraltohiswillandmatter,
Didnothing.
But,asweoftensee,againstsomestorm,
Asilenceintheheavens,therackstandstill,
Theboldwindsspeechlessandtheorbbelow
Ashushasdeath,anonthedreadfulthunder
Dothrendtheregion;so,afterPyrrhus’pause,
Arousedvengeancesetshimnewa-work;
AndneverdidtheCyclops’hammersfall
OnMars’sarmour,forg’dforproofeterne,
WithlessremorsethanPyrrhus’bleedingsword
NowfallsonPriam.
Out,out,thoustrumpet,Fortune!Allyougods,
Ingeneralsynod,takeawayherpower;
Breakallthespokesandfelliesfromherwheel,
Andbowltheroundnavedownthehillofheaven,
Aslowastothefiends!’
POLONIUS.Thisistoolong.
HAMLET.Itshalltothebarber ’s,withyourbeard.Prithee,
sayon:he’sforajigorataleofbawdry,orhesleeps.
Sayon;cometoHecuba.
FIRSTPLAYER.‘Butwho,O!whohadseenthemobled
queen’—
HAMLET.‘Themobledqueen’?—
POLONIUS.That’sgood;‘mobledqueen’isgood.
FIRSTPLAYER.‘Runbarefootupanddown,threateningthe
flames
Withbissonrheum;acloutuponthathead
Wherelatethediademstood;and,forarobe,
Aboutherlankandallo’er-teemedloins,
Ablanket,inthealarmoffearcaughtup;
Whothishadseen,withtongueinvenomsteep’d,
’GainstFortune’sstatewouldtreasonhavepronounc’d:
Butifthegodsthemselvesdidseeherthen,
WhenshesawPyrrhusmakemalicioussport
Inmincingwithhisswordherhusband’slimbs,
Theinstantburstofclamourthatshemade—
Unlessthingsmortalmovethemnotatall—
Wouldhavemademilchtheburningeyesofheaven,
Andpassioninthegods.’
POLONIUS.Look!wh’erhehasnotturnedhiscolourand
hastearsin’seyes.Prithee,nomore.
HAMLET.’Tiswell;I’llhavetheespeakouttherestsoon.
Goodmylord,willyouseetheplayerswellbestowed?
Doyouhear,letthembewellused;fortheyaretheabstractsandbriefchroniclesofthetime:afteryourdeath
youwerebetterhaveabadepitaphthantheirillreport
whileyoulive.
POLONIUS.My