Act I, Scene 10

The camp of the Volsces.

[A flourish. Cornets. Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS,] [p]bloody, with two or three Soldiers]

• Tullus Aufidius. The town is ta'en!

• First Soldier. 'Twill be deliver'd back on good condition. 880

• Tullus Aufidius. Condition!
  I would I were a Roman; for I cannot,
  Being a Volsce, be that I am. Condition!
  What good condition can a treaty find
  I' the part that is at mercy? Five times, CORIOLANUS, 885
  I have fought with thee: so often hast thou beat me,
  And wouldst do so, I think, should we encounter
  As often as we eat. By the elements,
  If e'er again I meet him beard to beard,
  He's mine, or I am his: mine emulation 890
  Hath not that honour in't it had; for where
  I thought to crush him in an equal force,
  True sword to sword, I'll potch at him some way
  Or wrath or craft may get him.

• First Soldier. He's the devil. 895

• Tullus Aufidius. Bolder, though not so subtle. My valour's poison'd
  With only suffering stain by him; for him
  Shall fly out of itself: nor sleep nor sanctuary,
  Being naked, sick, nor fane nor Capitol,
  The prayers of priests nor times of sacrifice, 900
  Embarquements all of fury, shall lift up
  Their rotten privilege and custom 'gainst
  My hate to CORIOLANUS: where I find him, were it
  At home, upon my brother's guard, even there,
  Against the hospitable canon, would I 905
  Wash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to the city;
  Learn how 'tis held; and what they are that must
  Be hostages for Rome.

• First Soldier. Will not you go?

• Tullus Aufidius. I am attended at the cypress grove: I pray you— 910
  'Tis south the city mills—bring me word thither
  How the world goes, that to the pace of it
  I may spur on my journey.

• First Soldier. I shall, sir.

[Exeunt]