1. Wat. Then you should hate Rome, as he 40
does. Can you, when you have pushed out
your gates the very defender of them, and, in a
violent popular ignorance, given your enemy
your shield, think to front his revenges with the 44
easy groans of old women, the virginal palms of
your daughters, or with the palsied intercession
of such a decayed dotant as you seem to be?
Can you think to blow out the intended fire your 48
city is ready to flame in with such weak breath
as this? No, you are deceived; therefore, back
to Rome, and prepare for your execution: you
are condemned, our general has sworn you out 52
of reprieve and pardon.
Men. Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here,
he would use me with estimation.
1. Wat. Come, my captain knows you not. 56
Men. I mean, thy general.
1. Wat. My general cares not for you.
Back, I say: go, lest I let forth your half-pint of
blood; back, that's the utmost of your having: 60
back!
Men. Nay, but, fellow, fellow,—
Enter Coriolanus with Aufidius.
Cor. What's the matter?
Men. Now, you companion, I'll say an errand 64
for you: you shall know now that I am in
estimation; you shall perceive that a Jack
guardant cannot office me from my son Corio-
41 out: out of
43 violent . . . ignorance: folly of mob violence
44 front: meet
47 dotant: dotard
52, 53 out of: beyond the reach of
55 estimation: esteem
60 the utmost . . . having: the most you shall get
64, 65 say . . . for you: make a report about you
66, 67 Jack guardant: good-for-nothing sentry
67 office: officiously detain
