Coriolanus

  268 matrons married women

  270 bended i.e. bowed

  271 Jove Roman supreme god (also known as Jupiter) 275 carry ... th'time i.e. let us be vigilant for the present 276 hearts i.e. valor/commitment/hidden desires 276 event future outcome

  277 Have with you I'll join you/let's go

  2.2 Location: Rome (the Capitol)

  3 of by

  5 brave splendid

  5 vengeance exceedingly

  7 great men

  8 people or to the

  8 them refers either to the

  9 they i.e. the people

  9 wherefore why

  12 in of

  16 waved would waver

  19 discover him reveal him to be

  19 opposite enemy

  19 affect seek out/like, enjoy

  23 degrees steps

  24 supple compliant, obsequious

  24 bonneted removed their hats (a mark of respect) 24 without ... report and gained others' esteem and a good reputation without doing anything else 29 giving ... lie being manifestly untrue Lictors officers attending magistrates 33 determined of made a decision about

  35 after-meeting follow-up meeting

  36 gratify reward

  37 stood for defended

  38 grave dignified, respected

  40 well-found commendable/found to be good

  44 like himself appropriate to him, as worthy as he is 46 length fear of taking too long

  47 for requital in its ability to recompense (such deeds) 49 after afterward, then

  50 motion encouragement, prompting

  50 body i.e. people

  51 yield consent to

  52 convented assembled

  52 upon i.e. to consider

  52 treaty proposition

  53 theme subject

  55 blest happy

  56 kinder value more generous estimation

  56 hereto previously

  58 off beside the point

  offers attempts

  70 disbenched unseated

  73 soothed flattered

  74 as they weigh according to their worth

  76 have ... struck i.e. remain idle when the call to battle goes out 78 monstered made into unnatural marvels

  80 multiplying spawn rapidly breeding commoners

  81 That's ... one i.e. for one good Coriolanus there are a thousand inadequate commoners/for every worthy commoner there are a thousand bad ones 83 one on's for one of his

  89 singly counterpoised matched by any other individual 90 made ... for raised troops to attack

  91 mark range, capacity

  91 dictator leader

  92 point at allude to

  93 Amazonian beardless, like the Amazons, a race of female warriors 94 bestrid stood over to defend

  95 o'erpressed overpowered

  95 view sight

  97 on onto

  98 might ... scene i.e. might have wept or been afraid (act and scene set up the image of a boy player) 99 meed reward

  100 brow-bound ... oak given a wreath of oak leaves to wear on his head (signifying that he had saved the life of a fellow Roman) 100 pupil ... thus his youth being thus initiated into manhood/his apprenticeship thus begun in the manner of a fully grown man 101 waxed grew

  102 brunt shock, violence

  103 lurched ... garland robbed all fellow soldiers of the victory garland 103 for as for

  105 speak him home find words to describe him adequately 105 fliers those fleeing

  106 rare marvelous/exceptional

  109 stem prow

  109 stamp tool with which to imprint a design

  110 took made a lasting impression (i.e. killed)

  112 timed accompanied regularly

  113 mortal fatal (either threatening death to Coriolanus or bringing death to the city) 113 which from which

  113 painted ... destiny i.e. stained with the blood of the dead 114 shunless inescapable

  114 came off came away, emerged

  115 reinforcement fresh attack

  115 struck astrological term referring to the power of a 116 planet to emit a deadly influence

  117 gan began to

  118 ready sense alert sense of hearing

  118 straight straight away

  118 doubled redoubled in strength

  119 requickened revived, reanimated

  119 fatigate weary, fatigued

  121 reeking steaming (with the fresh blood of enemies) 122 spoil slaughter, destruction

  126 with measure fittingly, with due proportion

  128 kicked at rejected, spurned

  129 as as if

  131 misery complete poverty

  132 with doing them i.e. by taking satisfaction from performing them 133 To ... it that time well spent is an end in itself/in seeking death 139 still always

  143 gown (to permit a better view of war wounds) 143 naked exposed (to the view of the people)/vulnerable/wearing nothing beneath the 144 sufferage vote, approval

  145 pass avoid, bypass

  146 voices votes

  147 bate omit

  148 Put force

  151 your form the formality that befits your status 157 hire payment

  159 stand upon't make an issue of it

  160 recommend commit, entrust

  161 purpose to them intentions regarding the people 164 use treat

  165 require ask

  166 contemn ... give despise the fact that what he requested should be in their power to give 170 attend await

  2.3 Location: Rome (marketplace)

  1 Once once and for all

  5 power ... do a legal prerogative that we have no moral right to exercise 9 monstrous unnatural

  13 a ... serve will require little effort

  14 once once when

  15 stuck hesitated

  16 of by

  16 that because

  17 abram auburn, here meaning "blond"

  20 consent of agreement on

  24 wit ... will perhaps playing on sexual connotations of both words to signify "penis"

  24 out emerge, come out

  26 southward the south wind was thought to carry disease and storms/the lower regions, i.e. genitals 29 rotten corrupting, unwholesome--playing on "affected by venereal disease"; 30 conscience and

  31 tricks also have potential sexual meanings

  31 you may i.e. go on, say what you like

  141 give ... voice give their vote to one who speaks thus 34 greater part majority

  34 incline be well-disposed

  39 by particulars to individuals, one by one

  40 single honour individual privilege, right

  48 pace obedient, measured movement

  55 would wish

  55 virtues i.e. exhortations to virtue

  56 divines priests

  56 lose by waste on

  59 wholesome profitable/beneficial

  62 brace pair (originally used of dogs); an inconsistency, as three citizens have entered; similarly, the subsequent acknowledgment of 73 kindly pleasantly

  75 yours i.e. yours to view

  78 A match agreed

  78 two worthy voices seems to neglect the third citizen 80 something somewhat

  81 An 'twere if it were

  82 stand agree

  86 enigma riddle

  87 scourge punishing whip

  88 rod punishment cane

  91 common promiscuous, indiscriminate

  91 sworn brother loyal friend bound by oath 92 a ... them a more valuable place in their esteem 93 condition attribute, habit

  93 gentle noble

  94 have my hat i.e. have me remove my hat as a mark of respect and deference 95 insinuating ingratiating

  95 be off remove my hat

  95 counterfeitly falsely, insincerely

  96 counterfeit the bewitchment copy the bewitching charm 96 popular man man who curries favor with the people/man of the people 97 bountiful bountifully

  102 seal confirm

  108 crave
beg

  108 hire payment, reward

  110 in ... tongue i.e. uttering such deceptions (many editors emend to "toge," i.e. "toga," the gown of humility Coriolanus wears) 111 Hob ... appear any fellow who turns up (Hob and Dick were typical names for common men or rustics) 111 needless unnecessary

  111 vouches formal confirmations

  113 antique time ancient customs

  115 o'erpeer peer over, rise above

  117 do thus behave in such a foolish manner

  120 voices votes

  121 Watched kept guard

  123 heard of heard, i.e. experienced firsthand 132 limitation allotted time

  133 Endue endow

  133 remains it only remains

  134 marks insignia of office

  135 Anon shortly

  137 request i.e. asking for the people's approval 139 upon your approbation to confirm their approval of you 145 Repair make my way

  151 weeds clothes

  153 my masters sirs

  156 notice observation

  158 flouted insulted, mocked

  159 kind of speech way of speaking

  173 further with further need of

  174 ignorant too dull

  178 lessoned instructed

  180 ever always

  181 charters ... weal privileges that you hold in the commonwealth 182 arriving reaching

  183 sway o'th'state state authority

  185 th'plebeii the plebeians

  188 what ... for i.e. the position of consul 189 think upon esteem

  190 Translate transform

  191 Standing ... lord supporting you as a patron, acting on your behalf 193 had touched would have tested (as the quality of gold was tested by rubbing it on a touchstone) 196 called you up prompted you

  197 galled irritated, inflamed

  198 article condition, stipulation

  199 aught anything

  200 choler anger

  203 free frank, undisguised

  207 heart courage, spirit

  207 cry protest, rebel

  208 rectorship rule

  209 ere ... asker on previous occasions refused to vote for one who asked you 211 sued-for begged for/formally entreated

  215 piece add to, augment

  220 therefor for that purpose, i.e. barking 221 safer more sensible

  222 enforce emphasize

  225 suit petition (may play on the sense of "clothing") 227 Th'apprehension the understanding

  227 portance behavior, demeanor

  228 gibingly tauntingly

  228 ungravely derisively, disrespectfully

  229 After according to

  229 inveterate long-standing

  230 Lay ... on blame

  231 no impediment between allowing nothing to stand in the way 234 affections wishes, preferences

  236 against the grain perversely, against your true inclinations 237 voice vote

  238 read lectures to instructed

  239 youngly early in life

  242 Ancus Martius traditionally, the fourth king of Rome 242 Numa Numa Pompilius, second king of Rome

  243 Hostilius Tullus Hostilius, third king of Rome 244 Publius unknown ancestor of Coriolanus

  244 Quintus ... conduits an anachronism: Quintus Martius Rex was involved in building the Aqua Martia aqueduct in Rome in the second century BC

  245 conduits aqueducts

  246 Censorinus another anachronism: Caius Martius Rutilus was given the title "Censorinus" in the third century BC

  247 censor magistrate in charge of the census of citizens 250 That ... wrought who has, in addition, well deserved through his own actions 253 Scaling weighing up

  255 sudden hasty

  257 putting on encouragement, urging

  258 presently ... number as soon as you have gathered your crowd of supporters 259 Repair make your way

  262 put in hazard risked

  263 Than ... greater than to await the greater revolt that would doubtless occur 265 answer ... of respond to the advantages offered by 269 own i.e. own doing

  3.1 Location: Rome (a street--the procession is on its way to the marketplace)

  1 made new head raised a new army

  3 composition coming to terms

  5 road inroads, incursions

  7 worn weakened, exhausted

  8 ages lifetimes

  11 on safeguard under safe conduct

  12 for because

  12 vilely contemptibly, shamefully

  13 retired withdrawn

  13 Antium town situated on the coast, about thirty-five miles south of Rome; now Anzio 20 To hopeless restitution beyond hope of recovery 20 so provided that

  28 prank them dress themselves up

  29 Against ... sufferance beyond what the nobility can endure 35 passed ... common been approved by the nobility and the common people 40 broil turmoil, fighting

  42 voices votes

  43 straight immediately (afterward)

  43 offices roles, responsibilities

  44 rule ... teeth i.e. can you not control their vicious snapping 45 set them on encouraged them (suggesting the incitement of dogs in bear-baiting) 47 purposed planned

  49 Suffer't, and live if you put up with it, you will have to live 52 of late recently

  53 gratis free

  53 repined complained

  54 Scandalled scorned, slandered

  55 Time-pleasers followers of fashion/opportunists 58 sithence since

  60 like likely

  61 Not ... yours i.e. I am likely to better you in any case 62 yond yonder, those

  65 that that quality

  68 are out of have strayed from

  70 yoke associate yourself

  72 abused deceived

  72 palt'ring evasiveness, trickery

  74 dishonoured dishonorable

  74 rub obstacle (bowling term)

  74 laid falsely placed treacherously

  75 I'th'plain in the level, smooth

  82 For as for

  82 meinie common people, rabble (pronounced "many" or "meeny") 83 regard take note of, observe

  84 behold themselves i.e. reflected in the unflattering truths Coriolanus will utter 85 soothing flattering

  86 cockle weed

  86 sedition revolt

  88 honoured honorable

  96 Coin create

  96 their i.e. the lungs'

  96 measles red spots of disease; possibly also "lepers"

  97 tetter cover with pustules

  97 yet sought although we have sought

  100 infirmity (human) weakness

  102 choler bile, i.e. anger; one of the four humors of early physiology, causing irascibility of temper 103 patient calm

  104 mind opinion

  108 Triton minor Greek sea god

  108 minnows small fish, i.e. common people 110 from the canon out of order, exceeding a tribune's authority 113 Given allowed

  113 Hydra in Greek mythology, a monster that grew two heads for every one that was cut off 114 peremptory imperious

  115 horn and noise noisy horn

  115 wants lacks

  116 turn divert

  116 current flow of water

  118 vail to lower a flag or weapon in submission 118 vail your ignorance yield in ignorant submission 118 awake ... lenity rouse yourselves from this dangerous mildness 121 cushions i.e. seats in the senate

  121 by with, next to/courtesy of

  123 both your voices i.e. those of senators and plebeians 123 the ... theirs the blend of voices tastes most strongly of the plebeians/the plebeians most enjoy the prevalent taste (i.e. their own) 126 popular i.e. on behalf of the people

  126 graver more revered

  126 bench governing body/judicial court

  129 up active, exerting power

  130 confusion destruction/chaos

  131 of both between the two

  131 take conquer/destroy

  132 by by using

  135 used Sometime formerly customary 145 our recomp
ense reward from us

  146 pressed impressed, conscripted

  147 navel i.e. very center

  147 touched threatened, affected

  148 thread pass through

  151 spoke not for didn't recommend

  153 All cause unborn without any justification

  153 native origin

  154 frank generous, free

  155 bosom multiplied (creature of) many stomachs 155 digest comprehend/digest bodily

  157 like likely

  158 poll number of people (literally, heads)

  158 greater poll majority

  161 cares concerns (for state welfare)

  162 break the

  162 locks o'th'senate) eagles i.e. superior birds; a symbol of Roman power 163 crows plays on the sense of "crowbars" (with which to 165 over-measure excess

  168 Seal (may it) confirm

  168 withal with

  168 double worship divided authority

  170 Insult behave insolently

  170 without all without any/beyond all

  170 gentry social rank, being a gentleman

  171 conclude come to a decision

  172 general common, popular

  172 omit neglect

  173 the while in the meantime

  174 slightness triviality

  174 Purpose so barred proper planning being thus prevented 175 to purpose effectively

  176 fearful timid, cowardly

  176 discreet discerning, prudent

  177 love ... on't love the foundations of sound government more than you fear making the changes that are necessary to preserve it (i.e. getting rid of the tribunes) 180 jump risk (treating)

  180 physic medicine

  182 multitudinous tongue voice of the multitude, i.e. the tribunes 183 sweet i.e. power

  183 dishonour current shameful situation

  184 bereaves deprives

  185 integrity unity

  187 For th'ill because of the evil (i.e. the tribunes and the people they represent) 189 answer pay for it

  191 despite contempt

  192 bald lacking both hair and wisdom

  194 th'greater bench the more important governing body, i.e. the senate 195 what's ... law when force and circumstance, rather than what was right, prevailed 197 what ... meet what is right and proper be openly acknowledged as the correct thing to do 201 aediles public officers, assistants to the tribunes 202 apprehended arrested

  205 Attach arrest

  205 innovator revolutionary

  206 th'public weal the commonwealth

  207 answer interrogation, trial/punishment

  209 surety stand bail for

  222 Confusion destruction/disorder/overthrow

  227 at ... lose on the point of losing

  240 distinctly ranges is laid out in a clear and orderly manner 243 Or either

  243 stand to uphold

  245 part behalf

  247 present immediate

  249 th'rock Tarpeian the precipice on the Capitoline Hill, from which criminals were thrown to their deaths 256 that what

  257 temp'rately calmly

  259 cold calm, unimpassioned

  265 seen me seen me do

  beat in beaten offstage

  272 naught lost, brought to nothing

  272 else otherwise

  278 cause disease

  280 tent probe and clean (a wound) surgically, i.e. cure 283 littered born (like

  284 calved, used of animals)