As the main point of this our after-meeting, 44
To gratify his noble service that
Hath thus stood for his country: therefore, please you,
Most reverend and grave elders, to desire
The present consul, and last general 48
In our well-found successes, to report
A little of that worthy work perform'd
By Caius Martius Coriolanus, whom
We meet here both to thank and to remember 52
With honours like himself.
1. Sen. Speak, good Cominius:
Leave nothing out for length, and make us think
Rather our state's defective for requital,
Than we to stretch it out. [To the Tribunes.] Masters o' the people, 56
We do request your kindest ears, and, after,
Your loving motion toward the common body,
To yield what passes here.
Sic. We are convented
Upon a pleasing treaty, and have hearts 60
Inclinable to honour and advance
The theme of our assembly.
Bru. Which the rather
We shall be bless'd to do, if he remember
A kinder value of the people than 64
He hath hereto priz'd them at.
Men. That's off, that's off;
I would you rather had been silent. Please you
To hear Cominius speak?
45 gratify: reward
46 stood for: supported
49 well-found: auspicious
53 like himself: worthy of him
55 defective: insufficient
56 Than . . . out: than we deficient in seeking to make the largest requital
58 motion toward: proposal to
59 passes: is voted
convented: called together
60 treaty: proposal
62 theme: subject, i.e. Coriolanus
63 bless'd: happy
64 kinder value: more favorable opinion
65 off: amiss
