Coriolanus: Act 1, Scene 2 Translation

A side-by-side translation of Act 1, Scene 2 of Coriolanus from the original Shakespeare into modern English.

Original Text	Translated Text
Source: Folger Shakespeare Library
Enter Tullus Aufidius with Senators of Corioles.	Now we head over to a Volscian city called Corioles. (Why yes, Corioles does sound a whole lot like the title of this play. Head to "What's Up With the Title" for the lowdown. Or, you can just wait until we get to Act 1, Scene 9 to find out.)
FIRST 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? Whatever have been thought on in this state 5 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. (He reads.) They have pressed a power, but it is not 10 known Whether for east or west. The dearth is great. The people mutinous; and, it is rumored, Cominius, Martius your old enemy, Who is of Rome worse hated than of you, 15 And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman, These three lead on this preparation Whither ’tis bent. Most likely ’tis for you. Consider of it.	Tullus Aufidius (you know, the guy Caius Martius can't wait to rumble with) is at the Senate House talking to the Volscian senators about their military plans.
FIRST SENATOR Our army’s in the field. 20 We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready To answer us. AUFIDIUS Nor did you think it folly To keep your great pretenses veiled till when They needs must show themselves, which, in the 25 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. 30	Aufidius reports that Rome already knows they're planning an attack, so there goes the element of surprise. Plus, Roman soldiers may be headed to Corioles right now as they speak.
SECOND 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 35 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 Honors. 40 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 Honors safe! 45 FIRST SENATOR Farewell. SECOND SENATOR Farewell. ALL Farewell. All exit.	The Senators order Aufidius to get his troops ready to invade Rome. Nah, nothing to worry about! Aufidius shouldn't come back to Corioles unless he hears that the Romans show up and invade the city.