Corioli. The Senate House.
 Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS with SENATORS of Corioles.

1st Senator	So, your opinion is, Aufidius,
	That they of Rome are entered in our counsels,
	And know how we proceed.

Aufidius								Is it not yours?
	What ever have been thought on in this state
	That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome
	Had circumvention? 'Tis not four days gone
	Since I heard thence; these are the words - I think
	I have the letter here - yes, here it is.
	[Reads.]	"They have pressed a power, but it is not known
				Whether for east or west. The dearth is great,
				The people mutinous, and it is rumoured,
				Cominius, Martius your old enemy,
				- Who is of Rome worse hated than of you-
				And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman,
				These three lead on this preparation
				Whither 'tis bent: most likely 'tis for you.
				Consider of it."

1st Senator	Our army's in the field.
	We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready
	To answer us.

Aufidius					Nor did you think it folly
	To keep your great pretences veiled till when
	They needs must show themselves, which in the hatching,
	It seemed, appeared to Rome. By the discovery
	We shall be shortened in our aim, which was
	To take in many towns, ere, almost, Rome
	Should know we were afoot.

2nd Senator									Noble Aufidius,
	Take your commission, hie you to your bands,
	Let us alone to guard Corioles.
	If they set down before's, for the remove
	Bring up your army; but, I think you'll find
	They've not prepared for us.

Aufidius									O, doubt not that;
	I speak from certainties. Nay, more,
	Some parcels of their power are forth already
	And only hitherward. I leave your honours.
	If we and Caius Martius chance to meet,
	'Tis sworn between us, we shall ever strike
	Till one can do no more.

All								The gods assist you.

Aufidius	And keep your honours safe.

1st Senator							Farewell.

2nd Senator								Farewell.

All										Farewell.
												[Exeunt.
