Off. He doth appear.
At the opening of this scene, two officers appeared on the stage, 'laying cushions,' for this is one of those specimens of the new method of investigation applied to the noblest subjects, 'which represents, as it were, to the eye, the whole order of the invention,' and into the Capitol stalks now the casque, for this is that 'step from the casque to the cushion' which the Poet is considering in the abstract; but it does not suit his purpose to treat of it in these abstract terms merely, because 'reason cannot be so sensible.' This, too, is one of those grand historic moments which this new, select, prepared history must represent to the eye in all its momentous historic splendour, for this is the kind of popular instruction which reproduces the past, which represents the historic event, not in perspective, but as present. And this is the 'business,' and this is the play in which we are told 'action is eloquence, and the eyes of the ignorant more learned than the ears.'
The seats of state are prepared for him. 'Call Coriolanus,' is the senate's word. The conqueror's step is heard. 'He does appear.'
Men. The senate, Coriolanus, are well pleased
To make thee consul.
Cor. I do owe them still
My life, and services.
Men. IT THEN REMAINS,
THAT YOU DO SPEAK TO THE PEOPLE.
Cor. I do beseech you,
Let me overleap that custom.
Sic. Sir, the people
Must have their voices; neither will they bate
One jot of their ceremony.
Men. Put them not to't:—[his friendly adviser says.]
Pray you, go fit you to the custom; and
Take to you, as your predecessors have,
Your honour, with your form.
Cor. It is a part
That I shall blush in acting, and might well
Be taken from the people.