[Exeunt two citizens.]
Enter two other Citizens.
CORIOLANUS.
Pray you now, if it may stand with the tune of your voices that I may be consul, I have here the customary gown.
FOURTH CITIZEN.
You have deserved nobly of your country, and you have not deserved nobly.
CORIOLANUS.
Your enigma?
FOURTH CITIZEN.
You have been a scourge to her enemies; you have been a rod to her friends. You have not indeed loved the common people.
CORIOLANUS.
You should account me the more virtuous that I have not been common in my love. I will, sir, flatter my sworn brother, the people, to earn a dearer estimation of them; ’tis a condition they account gentle. And since the wisdom of their choice is rather to have my hat than my heart, I will practise the insinuating nod and be off to them most counterfeitly. That is, sir, I will counterfeit the bewitchment of some popular man and give it bountiful to the desirers. Therefore, beseech you, I may be consul.
FIFTH CITIZEN.
We hope to find you our friend, and therefore give you our voices heartily.
FOURTH CITIZEN.
You have received many wounds for your country.
CORIOLANUS.
I will not seal your knowledge with showing them. I will make much of your voices and so trouble you no farther.