So after their disaster at Corioli, he estimates the situation aright, when even Cominius is mistaken, and conjectures that the enemy is only waiting an opportunity for renewing the war:
So then the Volsces stand but as at first,
Ready, when time shall prompt them, to make road
Upon’s again.
(iII. i. 4.)
And this, as we presently learn, is quite correct.
Even in political statesmanship, the department in which he is supposed to be specially to seek, he has a sagacity and penetration that show him the centre of the problem. This does not necessarily mean that his solution is the true one; and still less does it mean that he is wise in proclaiming his views when and where he does so: but the views themselves are certainly deep-reaching and acute, and such as would win approval from some of the greatest builders of states, the Richelieus, the Fredericks, the Bismarcks. He is quite right in denying that his invectives against the policy of concession are due to “choler”:
Choler!
Were I as patient as the midnight sleep,
By Jove, ’twould be my mind!