Chapter 9 second act

The first Rome.square Enter Menenius, Sicinius, and Brutus. Menenius tell me that we have news to come this evening. Good news or bad news for Brutus? Menenius This news was not what the people wished to hear, for they did not like Marcius. Sicinius brutes also know who their friends are. MENENIUS Pray, what do wolves like? Lamb of Sicinius. Menenius was right, for he could eat it, as the hungry plebeians would have eaten noble Marcius. Brutus What a lamb he is!Roared like a bear. Menenius he is a bear!Live a life like a lamb.You are both old men; let me ask you one thing, please tell me.

Sicinius Good, BRUTUS, speak. What great defect did Menenius Marcius have, and is it not possible to find as many of them in both of you? Brutus lacks none of his faults, he has all his faults. Sicinius, especially, was proud. Brutus's self-conceit can surpass everything. MENENIUS This is amazing.Do you two know what people in our city, I mean, what our people in positions of power say about you? Sicinius BRUTUS How do they criticize us? MENENIUS Because you speak of pride now - won't you be offended? Sicinius BRUTUS Well, well, tell me. Well, MENENIUS, that's all right; for even a trifle can make you angry.Be patient with your fiery tempers; if you must be angry, so be it.Do you blame Marcius for being too proud?

BRUTUS It is not only our two opinions. Menenius, I know that with just the two of you, you can no longer do anything great; you have too many assistants, otherwise your actions will become very simple; your abilities are too naive , had to make things happen because of people.You speak of pride; ah!If you could turn your eyes and look behind yourselves, reflect on yourselves!Ah, if only you could! What about Brutus? Menenius At that time you can see a pair of the most proud and arrogant officials in all Rome, without merit, in other words, a pair of biggest fools in all Rome. Sicinius Menenius, everyone knows what you are.

Menenius Everyone knows that I am a nobleman who likes to tell jokes and drink a glass of hot wine without water; I am said to be a bit preconceived, too easy to make a fuss; ;Speak out what comes to your mind, and don't let some grudges stay in your heart.When I meet two nobles like you—forgive me for calling you saints—if you give me wine that is not to my taste, I make faces at it; They're all donkeys, and I don't dare to compliment you for speaking well; although if people say that you are two dignified and respectable elders, I have no choice but to refrain from arguing with them, but who said you have good looks , That is to say a big lie.If you see this in the way I am, do you understand me?Even if you understand me, with your blind eyes, what shortcomings can you see in this character of mine?

BRUTUS Come on, come on, we know what you are. Menenius You know neither me nor yourselves, you know nothing.As long as those poor people take off their hats and bow their knees to you, you feel complacent.You have spent a good afternoon trying an orange woman against a cork man, and you have adjourned the threepenny case.When you are listening to the debate between the two parties, if you suddenly develop colic pain, you will have a strange face, and you will be furious, and you will keep calling for the potty, while repelling the two parties, and a good case will be given to you. The more the trial, the more confused; the dispute was not resolved, and I just got scolded a few times by you assholes.You are such a strange pair of babies.

BRUTUS Come on, come on, you are known to be a jest and scolder at feasts, but a worthless man in council. MENENIUS Our priests can't help laughing at your absurdities.When you speak the most, they are not worthy of your beards; and when it comes to your beards, they are not worthy of being stuffed in a poor cushion or pack-saddle of an ass.But you must say that Marcius is proud; at the lowest estimate he is worth all your old predecessors put together, though some of the most famous among them may be generations of executioners.Good night, my lords; you are the shepherds of the common people like animals, and if I talk to you any more, my brain will be stained with filth; pardon me for being rude. (Brutus and Sicinius step aside.)

Enter VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, and VALERIA. Menenius, my fair and noble wives, if the moon should come down to earth, it would be no nobler than you; what are you looking at with such fervor? Volunia Righteous Menenius, here comes my boy Marcius; for the love of Queen Juno, let us go. Ha Menenez!Is Marcius back? VOLUMNIA Yes, venerable Menenius, he returns victorious. Menenius Let me take my hat off to you, Jupiter, I thank you.Ah!Marcius is back! Volunia VIRGILIA Yes, he did come back. VOLUMNIA Look, here is a letter from him.He also has a letter to the government, and another to his wife; and I think you have a letter from him to you at home.

Menenius I'll overthrow my house with joy to-night.Have a letter for me! VIRGILIA Yes, there is indeed a letter for you; I saw it. Menenius has a letter for me!Reading his letter can keep me from getting sick for seven years, and during these seven years, I will curl my lips to the doctor; compared to this panacea that prolongs life and cures illness, the most miraculous prescription in the medical scriptures is just a quack The doctor had no choice but to treat the horse indiscriminately.Is he not hurt?Every time he came back, he was always wounded. Virginia, no, no, no. Volunia!He is wounded, thank God!

As long as Menenius is not seriously injured, I also want to thank the gods.Did he pocket the win?Only when he is injured can he show his heroism. VOLUMNIA He hangs victory upon his brow, Menenius; for the third time he has returned with the crown of oakleaves. MENENIUS Hath he taught Aufidius well? Volunia Titus Lacius wrote that they had fought, but Aufidius fled. MENENIUS Indeed, he must flee; otherwise, with all the coffers and gold and silver in all Corioli, I shall never mention the name of this Aufidius again.Did the Senate know the news? VOLUMNIA Good ladies, let us go.Yes, yes, yes, the Senate has received a letter from the Field Marshal, who gives my son all the credit for this war.His combat achievements this time are indeed more than double his previous combat achievements.

Valeria indeed, they all spoke of his many marvelous deeds. Amazing work by Menenius!Hey, let me tell you, he did it with real skill. Virginia, may the gods bless those words to be true! Volumia really!Will it be fake? Menenius really!I could swear those words were true.Where is he hurt? (To Sicinius, Brutus) God bless you two!Marcius is back; he has even more reason to be proud. (to VOLUMNIA) Where is he hurt? On Volunia's shoulder, on his left arm; when he rises before the people, he can put his great scar on public display.In the middle of repelling Tarquin, he was injured in seven places.

One on Menenius' neck, two on his thighs, and I know nine in total. Volunia before this expedition, he had a total of twenty-five wounds all over his body. Menenius is now twenty-seven; every wound is the grave of an enemy. (to cheers, trumpets playing coloratura) Listen!The sound of the trumpet! VOLUMNIA This is the foretelling of Marcius' coming.Wherever he went, there was always thunder; when he passed, he left only a sea of ​​tears; in his strong arms hid the ghost of death; as long as he waved his hand, people lost their lives . Trumpets play coloratura.Comenius and Titus Lacius crown Coriolanus with oak leaves, with the colonel, soldiers, and a herald. Herald All the people of Rome hear: Marcius fought alone in the city of Coriolis; he has won a name of honor there, after Caius Marcius, add Coriolanna His honor.Welcome to Rome, famous Coriolanus! (Trumpets play coloratura.) All welcome to Rome, famous Coriolanus! Coriolanus, come on; I don't like this.Please excuse me. Comenius Behold, general, your mother! O Coriolanus!I know you must have prayed to all the gods for my victory. (Kneel down.) VOLUMNIA Nay, my good soldier, arise; my good Marcius, noble Caius, and your new honor by merit--what's that called? ―Do I have to call you Coriolanus? ——But ah!your wife! —— Coriolanus Blessed be thee, my silent good man!You greeted my triumph with tears like this, and would you smile if a coffin came back with my bones in it?what!My dear, Coriolis widows and bereaved mothers, their eyes cry like yours. Menenius May the gods crown you! Coriolanus Are you still alive? (to Valeria) Oh, my dear lady, pardon me. VOLUMNIA I don't know where to turn.what!Welcome back!Welcome, Marshal!Welcome, officers and men! One hundred thousand welcomes to Menenius!I also want to cry and laugh; my heart is both light and heavy.welcome!Let the curse gnaw at the heart of anyone who is not pleased to see you!You are three that should be loved by Rome; yet by the fidelity of men, there are some old hawthorns in our city that taste different from yours.But welcome, soldiers!If it is nettle we call it nettle, and what is wrong with fools can be summed up in one word, and its name is stupidity. Comenius, you are right. Coriolanus Menenius, this is the everlasting truth. Herald stand back, stand back! CORIOLANUS (to VOLUMNIA, VALERIA) Let me kiss your hand, and let me kiss yours.Before I return to my own home, I must first visit the nobles; they not only welcome me, but give me new honor. VOLUMNIA I have lived to this day, and have seen my wishes come true, and the dreams of my fantasies come true; there is only one wish that is unfulfilled, but I believe our Rome will add it to you of. Good mother Coriolanus, you know, I'd rather be their servant, as I please, Than take power, and be their master with them. Cominius onward, to the council! (Trumpets play coloratura; trumpet blows. Procession exits in order; Sicinius and Brutus stay.) All the tongues of Brutus talked about him, and the blind old man came out to look at him with his spectacles; She also wrapped her best sackcloth around her greasy neck, and climbed up the wall to look at him; the stables, balconies, and windows were all crowded; There were all kinds of people, and everyone was vying to see his face; the priests who rarely showed their faces crowded around in the crowd, competing for a place with others; The face that had been carefully decorated received the sun's hot kiss, one piece was red and the other was white; it was so lively, it was as if he was regarded as the incarnation of a god. Sicinius I said, he must have the hope of being in power this time. Brutus Then we shall have nothing to do while he is in power. Sicinius He has just taken power, and his position is not yet consolidated, but he will lose the glory he has gained. Brutus would be fine. Sicinius, don't worry, the civilians we represent originally held a bad feeling towards him, but for some trivial reason, they will forget his new glory. With his proud temper, I believe he will definitely do something. Some unsatisfactory things are coming. BRUTUS I heard him swear, that if he be made lord, he will not go to the marketplace, nor wear the rough garments of humility; nor will he show his scars to the people, as is customary. , seeking consent from their fetid mouths. Sicinius is exactly that. Brutus he said so.what!He would rather give up his ruling position than do such a thing at the behest of the gentlemen and nobles. Sicinius I hope he sticks to the meaning and sees it done. Brutus He will probably do so. If this is the case with Sicinius, his collapse must have been inevitable, as we would hope. Brutus If he does not fall, our power shall shake.To hasten his downfall, we must let the people know what hostility he has always had against them; Their actions and abilities are not suitable for the affairs of the world, any more than camels are used in war; they are bred only to bear a heavy load, and if they are too heavy to get up, they will be beaten. It is their reward. Sicinius only needs to give him a little provocation, and his haughty temper will be vented on the people as easily as a pack of dogs to bite sheep; then your words will be on dry wood. A fire that could burn his name to ashes forever. Enter an envoy. What's the matter with Brutus? The messenger invited the two lords to the council.Everyone thought Marcius was going to be in power.I saw the deaf crowd round to look at him, the blind crowd to listen to him; as he passed, middle-aged women waved gloves to him, young girls waved scarves and handkerchiefs to him; Wu's statue bowed in homage, and the commoners threw their hats when they saw him; there was thunderous cheers; I have never seen such a sight. BRUTUS Let us go to the council.Let us keep our ears and eyes on the situation before us, and our hearts on our future intentions. Sicinius so please. (same below.) The second game is the same as before.parliament On the second official, lay cushions. Official A come, come, they are coming soon.How many people are competing for the position of power? Second Officer They say there are three; but everyone thinks Coriolanus will be elected. Official A He is a good man; but he is too proud, and he has no good opinion of common people. Li Yi, to be honest, there are many great people who try their best to please the common people, but they don’t like them at all; there are also many people who like a person, but they don’t know why they like him. Hate him for no reason.So Coriolanus' indifference to their likes and dislikes can just show that he really understands their characters; If he was indifferent to their love and hatred, he would neither flatter them nor offend them; but he is more aggressive toward them than they are against him, and whoever can show his The fact of being their enemy, he always showed it openly.Such an attitude of deliberate hostility to the people is no less lawless than the method of flattering the people to win their favor which he despises. Li Yi has made great contributions to the country; his ascension to a high position is by no means as easy as those who have no merit and only rely on the means of flattering the people to indiscriminately invite jubilees; It would be ungrateful for them to deny all this, with the glory before their eyes, and his deeds engraved in their hearts; Official A don't talk about him; he is a respectable person.Move over, here they come. Trumpets play coloratura.The Guards lead, Cominius (regent), Menenius, Corleolanas, the senators, Sicinius, Brutus, etc.; the senators and the tribunes take their seats in turn. MENENIUS We have decided what to do with the Volsians, and have resolved to summon Titus Lacius back; the chief question that remains to be decided at this council, is how to reward our one for his country. Xuanlao's hero.So, venerable senators, I beg you to ask the present ruler, who has led us to this victory, to report to us a little of the heroic deeds wrought by Caius Marcius Coriolanus , that we may express our gratitude to him according to his actual merit, and reward him with due honor. Speak, first senator, good Cominius; let us not neglect anything for fear of too long a narrative, rather let us think that the state's rewards are too small, and that the government's honors are too much. (To Sicinius and Brutus) Representatives of the people, please listen patiently. When we have decided on a result, we will have to ask you to convey our opinions to the people and ask for their kind sympathy. Sicinius We have gathered this time to adopt a satisfactory treaty, and we are glad to give our hero no less honor. BRUTUS If he can improve a little what he has always thought of the people, we shall agree. Menenius Don't go off topic; I hope you'd better keep your mouth shut.Will you hear Cominius speak? Brutus, of course; but my advice is better than your reproach. MENENIUS He loves your people; but make him not share his bed with them.Noble Cominius, speak. (Coriolanus stands up to go) No, sit down. First Senator Sit down, Coriolanus; be ashamed not to hear of the honorable deeds you yourself have done. Coriolanus Forgive me, I'd rather have my scars disappear than be told of how I got them. General Brutus, I hope you have not listened to me to make you restless. Coriolanus No, but blows often keep me, words keep me from.Your words are irrelevant.As for your people, I love them only for what they are worth. Menenius, please sit down. CORIOLANUS I'd rather have my head scratched in the sun, When the trumpet to battle is sounded, Than sit and hear my trifles be exaggerated. (Down.) Menenius, two representatives of the people, you have now seen that he would rather devote all his strength to the pursuit of honor than devote a small part of his energy to listening to others' praise. Is there a mortal being of a good man who wastes his flattery?Speak, Cominius. COMINIUS My voice is too weak to tell of the deeds of Coriolanus.Courage is the greatest virtue recognized by all men, and the most admirable is the man of courage; and if we may say so, there is hardly a single equal in all the world to the man I am about to speak of.When Tarquin invaded Rome, he was only sixteen years old, and he had already shown his prowess on the battlefield; our ruler at that time saw those bearded men being chased by him who was fair and handsome. Had to run for his life.He stepped over the body of a prostrate Roman, and in the presence of the regent, cut three enemies with his hands; Tarquin also confronted him, and was struck down by him.He could have been a cowardly woman in that day's exploits, but he proved himself to be the bravest man on the battlefield, and in recognition of his exploits, the honor of oak leaves was added to his forehead. crown.In this way, he changed from a young boy in the army to an athlete who is used to fighting. His growing bravery is as abundant as the sea. In the seventeen battles before and after, he was invincible and invincible.As for the last battle before and in Corioli, I may say that my words cannot give him due praise; he stopped the fleeing foe, and by his astonishing example, swept away The fear in the heart of a coward is overcome; like a weed in front of a sailing ship, his sword shines everywhere, and people either surrender or die. Whoever touches his edge has no hope of life; from the face He was covered in blood to his feet, and his every action was accompanied by desperate wailing; he broke into the city full of death alone and stained the city gate red with his iron hand controlling life and death , and then he broke out alone again, leading a new force, and charged towards Corioli like a comet.He had already won a great victory; but the noise of battle began to stimulate his keen senses again, and his human energy made him forget the fatigue of his body, and he immediately went to the battlefield again, where he ran and killed like hemp , as if it were a never-ending plunder; and he never stood still for a moment until we had taken all the suburbs. Great hero Menenius! First Senator He deserves all the glory we prepared to give him. COMINIUS He rejects the trophies we share with him, and counts all precious treasures as dung; his desires are less than the miser's measures; the deed itself is his reward to himself. MENENIUS He is a noble man; go and fetch him. First Senator Call Coriolanus. The policeman is here. Coriolanus re-enters. Menenes Coriolanus, the senators would gladly make you consul. Coriolanus I will serve them forever. Menenius Now there is one more formality that must be fulfilled, and you must say a few words to the people. Coriolanus I beg you to pardon me from this routine, for I cannot put on a long sackcloth, naked, and beg them to accept me as their lord for my scars' sake.Please don't make me do this. General Sicinius, the people must express their opinion; and they will never change the prescribed ceremonies. MENENIUS Do not provoke them; take your place in lawful form, as is customary to those who preceded you. Coriolanus wants me to play this trick, I must blush, I think it's better to spare. BRUTUS (narrating to Sicinius) Do you hear? Coriolanus Boasting to them, That I've done this and that; Show them painless scars that ought to be hidden, As if I'd got them just to get their admiration ! Menenius do not insist on this.Tribunes, please convey our will to the people.May all the joy and glory of our dignified government! Lords, may all joy and glory be upon Coriolanus! (Trumpets play coloratura; all exit except Sicinius and Brutus.) Brutus You know what he will do to the people. Sicinius would they know what he meant!He will ask them with contempt, as if it were a shame for him to receive favors from them. Come, Brutus, let us tell them all that has happened here; I know they are all waiting for our news in the market place. (same below.) The third game is the same as before.Big market Enter some citizens. First Citizen If he asks our consent, we cannot refuse him. Second Citizen If we cannot agree, we can refuse him. Third Citizen We have a right to refuse him, but we have no power to exercise that power; for if he show us his wounds, and tell us his exploits, our tongues should speak for his wounds, and tell him His great deeds have been honored generously by us.Ingratitude is a great crime, and the ungrateful crowd is a terrible monster; we are all part of the crowd, and we are all to become parts of this monster. First Citizen I can cite a small example to prove what we are to others: He once called us a crowd of bulls when we were clamoring for grain. Third Citizen Many people call us that, not because our hair is brown, or black, or ocher, or bald, but because our thoughts are so varied.I really think that if all our thoughts are expressed from one brain, some of them will go east, some west, some north, some south, and fly in all directions. Second Citizen Do you think so?Which direction do you think my thoughts will fly? Third Citizen, thy thought does not come out as easily as other's, For it is fast shut in a wooden skull: but if it be set free, it will fly South. Why did Citizen B fly to the south? Citizen C went south and was lost in a fog, three-quarters of it was dissolved in the foul-smelling dew, and the remaining quarter, with a bad conscience, still came back to help you find a wife. Second Citizen You always make fun of people like this; do it, do it. Third Citizen Are you all determined to give him your assent?But that doesn't matter, the final result depends on the opinions of the majority.I said that if he would sympathize with the people, there never was a more competent man. Enter Coriolanus and Menenius in a cloak. The third citizen came, and he was still wearing a long coarse coat.Watch how he behaves.We don't want all of us together, or alone, or two or three, to run to where he stands.He must ask individual assent; each of us has his own right to give him our individual assent with our own lips.So come with me, everyone, and let me guide you how to walk past him. The people are nice, nice. (Citizens are the same.) Menenius, general, you are mistaken; do you not know that the noblest men have done such things? Coriolanus What should I say? "Please, sir,"—hum!I can't get that begging note out of my tongue. "Look, sir, my wounds! How many wounds I have suffered for my country, when your fellow men have run away screaming at the sound of the drums in their own army." MENENIUS Oh, my God!You can't say that; you have to ask them to remember your credit. Coriolanus remember me!snort!I would rather they forget me, as they forget the advice of the priests. MENENIUS You will spoil things.I'm leaving.Please speak nicely to them. Coriolanus told them to wash their faces and brush their teeth. (Exit MENENIUS) Well, here comes a couple. The two citizens re-enter. Mr. Coriolanus, do you know why I am standing here? First Citizen We know, General; tell us why you are here. Coriolanus for my own credit. Second Citizen To your own credit! Coriolanus Well, but not of my own will. First Citizen How is it not your own will? Coriolanus No, sir, I would never beg of the poor. First Citizen You must understand that if we give you anything, we hope to get something out of you. Good day Coriolanus, then I want to ask, how much do I ask you for a consulship? First Citizen That price is what you must respectfully ask for. Coriolanus respectfully!I beseech you, sir, let me be regent; if you would see my scars, I will show you in a more secluded place.Please give me your consent, sir; what do you say? Second Citizen You may have our consent, my lord general. Coriolanus made his word, sir.I have already obtained the consent of two honorable persons.Thank you for your generosity; goodbye. First Citizen But that's a little odd. Citizen B can take it back if he has already exported it—but that’s fine. (Exit the second citizen.) Re-enter the other two citizens. Coriolanus I beseech you, now that I have put on this garment as is customary, will you allow me to be regent? Citizen C Although you have made great contributions to the country, you are not popular among the people. Coriolanus for advice? Third Citizen You scourge Rome's enemies, and Rome's friends; You have never been kind to common people. Coriolanus You should respect me for I am not abusive.Sir, in order to win the favor of the people, I am willing to flatter my fellow countrymen who have sworn to live and die, which is what they consider gentle and submissive.Since all they want is my hat-off, not my devotion, I can learn a system of servility, and put as much air on them as I can; Dear people, whoever likes this set, I can give it away in large quantities.So I beg you, let me be in power. Citizen Ding, we hope you are our friend, so we are willing to give you sincere sponsorship. Third Citizen You have suffered many wounds for your country. Coriolanus Since you already know, I don't need to expose my body to prove it to you.I must cherish your kindness very much, and I will not trouble you again. Citizen C Citizen Ding May the gods bless you, general! (same below.) The most precious consent of Coriolanus!Better die than starve, than ask others for our share of rewards.Why am I standing here in this felt coat, begging unnecessary consent from everyone who passes by?Habits force me to do this; what habits order us, we should do. The dust of the ages lets it pile up there without sweeping, and the mountains of mistakes completely obscure justice and justice.Rather than playing such a trick, it is better to simply award the honor of the country to those who are willing to do such a thing.I have already acted in half of the book, let me hold my breath and finish the second half of the book.A few more consents came. Re-enter the other three citizens. Coriolanus Your consent!For your consent, I fought against the enemy; for your consent, I went through eighteen wars and received more than twenty wounds; for your consent, I did many things, big and small.I want to govern; please give me your consent. Citizen V He has done great things, and he must have the consent of every honest man. Citizen B Then let him be in power.May God give him happiness and make him a friend of the people! All Amen, Amen.God bless you, noble Regent! (Citizens wait.) Honorable Coriolanus agrees! Re-enter Menenius with Brutus and Sicinius. Menenius You have endured all the troubles, these two tribunes will declare to you that you have the consent of the people, and now you must go at once to the senate to be formally appointed. Is it over for Coriolanus? Sicinius You have performed the formalities of asking for consent according to the custom; the people have accepted you, and they will call another meeting to approve your appointment. Where is Coriolanus?Right in the Senate? Sicinius is there, Coriolanus. Coriolanus May I change these clothes? Sicinius You may, General. Coriolanus I'll change my clothes; let me know myself for what I am, and come to the senate. Menenius I will accompany you.Are you two coming with us too? BRUTUS Here we shall wait for the people. Goodbye Sicinius. (Exit CORIOLANUS, MENENIUS) He's got it now; from his countenance, his heart seems to be on fire. BRUTUS He wears his humble raiment with a proud heart.Please send these people away. Re-enter all citizens. Sicinius, my friends!Have you already selected this person? First Citizen He has our consent. BRUTUS We pray to the gods that he will not fail your kindness. Second Citizen Amen.照我的愚见观察，他在请求我们同意的时候，仿佛在讥笑我们。 市民丙不错，他简直在辱骂我们。 市民甲不，他说起话来总是这样的；他没有讥笑我们。 市民乙除了你一个人之外，我们中间每一个人都说他用侮蔑的态度对待我们。他应该把他的功劳的印记，他为国家留下的伤痕给我们看。 西西涅斯啊，那我相信他一定会给你们看的。 众人不，不，谁也没有瞧见。 市民丙他说他有许多伤痕，可以在隐僻一点的地方给我们看。他这样带着轻蔑的神气挥舞着他的帽子，“我要做执政，”他说，“除非得到你们的同意，传统的习惯不会容许我；所以我要请求你们同意。”当我们答应了他以后，他就说，“谢谢你们的同意，谢谢你们最珍贵的同意；现在你们已经给我同意，我也用不着你们了。”这不是讥笑是什么？ 西西涅斯啊，到底是你们没有看见呢，还是你们已经看见了，却一味表示孩子气的好感，随便给了他同意？ 勃鲁托斯你们难道不会凭着你们所受的教训，对他说当他还没有掌握权力、不过是政府里一个地位卑微的仆人的时候，他就是你们的敌人，老是反对着你们的自由和你们在这共和国里所享有的特权吗？你们难道不会对他说，现在他登上了秉持国家大权的地位，要是他仍旧怀着恶意，继续做平民的死敌，那么你们现在所表示的同意，不将要成为你们自己的咒诅吗？你们应当对他说，他的伟大的功业，既然可以使他享有他所要求的地位而无愧色，但愿他的仁厚的天性，也能够想到你们现在所给他的同情的赞助，而把他对你们的敌意变成友谊，永远做你们慈爱的执政。 西西涅斯你们照这样对他说了以后，就可以触动他的心性，试探他的真正的意向；也许他会给你们善意的允诺，那么将来倘有需要的时候，你们就可以责令他履行旧约；也许那会激怒他的暴戾的天性，因为他是不能容忍任何拘束的，这样引动了他的恼怒，你们就可以借着他的恶劣的脾气做理由，拒绝他当执政。 勃鲁托斯你们看他在需要你们好感的时候，会用这样公然侮蔑的态度向你们请求，难道你们没有想到当他有权力压迫你们的时候，他这种侮蔑的态度不会变成公然的伤害吗？怎么，你们胸膛里难道都是没有心的吗？或者你们的舌头会反抗理智的判断吗？ 西西涅斯你们以前不是曾经拒绝过向你们请求的人吗？现在他并没有请求你们，不过把你们讥笑了一顿，你们却会毫不迟疑地给他同意吗？ 市民丙他还没有经过正式的确认，我们还可以拒绝他。 市民乙我们一定要拒绝他；我可以号召五百个人反对他就任。 市民甲好，就是一千个人也不难，还可以叫他们各人拉些朋友来充数。 勃鲁托斯你们立刻就去，告诉你们那些朋友，说他们已经选了一个执政，他将会剥夺他们的自由，限制他们发言的权利，把他们当作狗一样看待，虽然为了要它们吠叫而豢养，可是往往因为它们吠叫而把它们痛打。 西西涅斯让他们集合起来，重新作一次郑重的考虑，一致撤回你们愚昧的选举。竭力向他们提出他的骄傲和他从前对你们的憎恨；也不要忘记他是用怎样轻蔑的态度穿着那件谦卑的衣服，当他向你们请求的时候，他是怎样讥笑着你们；可是你们因为存心忠厚，只想到他的功劳，所以像这样从牢不可拔的憎恨里表现出来的放肆无礼的举止，也就被你们忽略过去了。 勃鲁托斯可以把过失推在我们两人――你们的护民官身上，说都是我们一定要你们选举他。 西西涅斯你们可以说，你们是在我们的命令之下选举他的，不是出于你们自己的真意；你们的心里因为存着不得不然的见解，而不是因为觉得应该这样做，所以才会违背着本心，而赞同他做执政。把一切过失推在我们身上好了。 勃鲁托斯对了，不要宽恕我们。说我们向你们反复讲说，他在多么年轻的时候就已经开始为国家出力；他已经服务了多么长久；他的家世是多么高贵；纽玛的外孙，继伟大的霍斯提力斯君临罗马的安格斯?马歇斯，就是从他们家里出来的；替我们开渠通水的坡勃律斯和昆塔斯也是那一族里的人；做过两任监察官的森索利纳斯是他的先祖。 西西涅斯因为他出身这样高贵，他自己又立下这许多功劳，应该可以使他得到一个很高的位置，所以我们才把他向你们举荐；可是你们在把他过去的行为和现在的态度互相观照之下，认为他始终是你们的敌人，所以决定撤回你们一时疏忽的同意。 勃鲁托斯你们坚持着说，你们的同意只是因为受到我们的怂恿；把民众召集起来以后，你们立刻就到议会里来。 众人我们一定这样做；我们大家都懊悔选他。（众市民下。） 勃鲁托斯让他们去闹；与其隐忍着更大的危机，不如冒险鼓动起这一场叛变。要是他照着以往的脾气，果然因为他们的拒绝而发起怒来，那么我们正可以好好利用这一个机会。 西西涅斯到议会去。来，我们必须趁着大批的民众还没有赶到以前先到那儿，免得被人家看出他们是受我们的煽动。 (same below.)