Coriolanus Act 1.4.4. & 1.4.5

 Scene 1.4.4

The battle tides over

The Roman troopers were retreating with their wounded. Most of their numbers were laid to rest or maimed for life, but saved one Commander.

“All the contagion of the south light on you.” Marcius cursed at the Volsces.  Then he looked to his own troopers; cowered like rats in the makeshift cover of dead bodies and rubbles.

“You shames of Rome! You herd of~ boils and plagues plaster you all over, that you may abhorred father than seen, and one infect another. You souls of geese that bear the shapes of men, how have you run.” Marcius scorned at his trooper. 

“From slaves that apes would beat!”

“Pluto and Hell!” Marcius cursed with his face expression drawn taut. “With flight and argued fear! Mend and charge, or by the fires of heavens, I will leave the foe, and make my war on you.”

Marcius held up his saber.

“Look to it. Come on! If you’ll stand fast, we’ll beat them to their wives, as they did us to this cesspool.”

Scene 1.4.5

The battle recedes

The Volsces suddenly retreated from the battle. It was unprecedented then but Marcius snapped at the opportunity. He rallied the troopers to follow him for glory.

“So now the gates are open; now prove good seconds; Fortune widens them, and does the like.” Marcius rushed forth without looking back. The troopers had stood up at the fortified position but their spirits were truly broken. They will march to any command any more. They had enough of the killing.

“Fool-hardiness; not I” The troopers muttered among themselves. Another trooper agreed to the motion. Then they saw the city gates shut back with Marcius inside.