MARTIUS.
How far off lie these armies?
MESSENGER.
Within this mile and half.
MARTIUS.
Then shall we hear their ’larum, and they ours.
Now, Mars, I prithee, make us quick in work,
That we with smoking swords may march from hence
To help our fielded friends!—Come, blow thy blast.
[They sound a parley.]
Enter two Senators with others on the walls of Corioles.
Tullus Aufidius, is he within your walls?
FIRST SENATOR.
No, nor a man that fears you less than he:
That’s lesser than a little.
[Drum afar off.]
Hark, our drums
Are bringing forth our youth. We’ll break our walls
Rather than they shall pound us up. Our gates,
Which yet seem shut, we have but pinned with rushes.
They’ll open of themselves.
[Alarum far off.]
Hark you, far off!
There is Aufidius. List what work he makes
Amongst your cloven army.
MARTIUS.
O, they are at it!
LARTIUS.
Their noise be our instruction.—Ladders, ho!
Enter the Army of the Volsces as through the city gates.