(iII. i. 84.)
His objections are in truth no outbreaks of momentary exasperation, though that may have added pungency to their expression, but mature and sober convictions, that have a worth and weight of their own. As we might expect; for Shakespeare derives almost all of them from Plutarch; and Plutarch, who had thought about these things, puts several of his favourite ideas in Coriolanus’ mouth, even while condemning Coriolanus’ bigotry and harshness; and while, for dramatic fitness, suppressing the qualifications and provisos that he himself thought essential.
To Marcius the root of the matter is to be found in the fact that the Roman Republic is not a democracy but an aristocracy, and in this respect he contrasts it with some of the Greek communities.
Therefore sayed he, they that gave counsell, and persuaded that the corne should be geven out to the common people gratis, as they used to doe in citties of Graece, where the people had more absolute power; dyd but only nourishe their disobedience, which would breake out in the ende, to the utter ruine and overthrowe of the whole state.
Shakespeare’s transcription is, but for the interpolated interruption, fairly close:
Coriolanus. Whoever gave that counsel, to give forth
The corn o’ the storehouse gratis, as ’twas used
Sometime in Greece,—
Menenius. Well, well, no more of that.
Coriolanus. Though there the people had more absolute power,