Coriolanus

Act 5. Scene II

Enter to them, MENENIUS

First Senator

Stay: whence are you?

Second Senator

Stand, and go back.

MENENIUS

You guard like men; 'tis well: but, by your leave,

I am an officer of state, and come

To speak with Coriolanus.

First Senator

From whence?

MENENIUS

From Rome.

First Senator

You may not pass, you must return: our general

Will no more hear from thence.

Second Senator

You'll see your Rome embraced with fire before

You'll speak with Coriolanus.

MENENIUS

Good my friends,

If you have heard your general talk of Rome,

And of his friends there, it is lots to blanks,

My name hath touch'd your ears it is Menenius.

First Senator

Be it so; go back: the virtue of your name

Is not here passable.

MENENIUS

I tell thee, fellow,

The general is my lover: I have been

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