Original: Because that now it lies you on to speak
Modern: Because now it’s your responsibility to speak

Original: To the people; not by your own instruction,
Modern: To the people; not saying what you personally want to say,

Original: Nor by the matter which your heart prompts you,
Modern: Or speaking from what your heart tells you,

Original: But with such words that are but rooted in
Modern: But with words that only come from

Original: Your tongue, though but bastards and syllables
Modern: Your mouth, even though they’re fake words and sounds

Original: Of no allowance to your bosom’s truth.
Modern: That don’t match what you truly believe in your heart.

Original: Now, this no more dishonours you at all
Modern: Now, this doesn’t dishonor you at all

Original: Than to take in a town with gentle words,
Modern: Any more than conquering a city with peaceful words,

Original: Which else would put you to your fortune and
Modern: Which otherwise would force you to risk your luck and

Original: The hazard of much blood.
Modern: The danger of much bloodshed.

Original: I would dissemble with my nature where
Modern: I would go against my true nature when

Original: My fortunes and my friends at stake required
Modern: My future and my friends being at risk required

Original: I should do so in honour: I am in this,
Modern: Me to do so honorably: I represent in this situation,

Original: Your wife, your son, these senators, the nobles;
Modern: Your wife, your son, these senators, the nobles;

Original: And you will rather show our general louts
Modern: And you’d rather show these common fools

Original: How you can frown than spend a fawn upon ‘em,
Modern: How well you can scowl than flatter them,

Original: For the inheritance of their loves and safeguard
Modern: To win their love and protect

Original: Of what that want might ruin.
Modern: What their hatred might destroy.

In Act III, Scene 2 of “Coriolanus,” the scene takes place in Coriolanus’s house following his confrontational appearance before the tribunes and the people. Volumnia, his mother, along with Menenius and the patricians, urge Coriolanus to return to the marketplace and speak more diplomatically to the citizens in order to secure their approval for his consulship. Coriolanus initially resists, insisting that it would be dishonorable and false to his nature to flatter the plebeians with gentle words when he holds them in such contempt. He expresses his unwillingness to play a role or speak insincerely, arguing that such behavior would be beneath his dignity as a warrior and a patrician.

Volumnia employs a combination of strategic reasoning and emotional pressure to persuade her son, arguing that using policy and strategic speech in politics is no different from using tactical deception in war. She instructs him on exactly how to behave: to speak mildly, to bow humbly, to correct his earlier harsh words, and to attribute his previous behavior to the effects of war rather than to his true nature. Though deeply reluctant and repeatedly expressing his distaste for the task, Coriolanus eventually submits to his mother’s will, agreeing to return to the tribunes and the people with a more conciliatory demeanor. The scene ends with the group preparing to accompany Coriolanus back to the Forum, where he will attempt to win over the citizens with this softer approach.

Coriolanus tells the tragic story of a Roman military hero whose pride and contempt for the common people ultimately leads to his downfall. The play opens with Roman citizens rioting over grain shortages, angry at the patrician class’s indifference to their suffering. Caius Marcius, a fierce Roman general, successfully leads the siege against the Volscian city of Corioles, earning the honorary name “Coriolanus.” Despite his military prowess, he openly despises the plebeians (common citizens) and reluctantly agrees to seek the consulship only at his mother Volumnia’s urging.

When Coriolanus runs for consul, he must follow tradition by displaying his war wounds to the citizens and asking for their votes. Though initially successful, the tribunes Brutus and Sicinius manipulate the fickle crowd against him, exploiting his arrogant nature and aristocratic disdain. When Coriolanus explodes in rage against the people’s ingratitude and the democratic process itself, he is banished from Rome. His famous response - “I banish you!” - reveals his wounded pride and inability to bend to political necessity.

In exile, Coriolanus seeks out his former enemy Aufidius, leader of the Volscians, and offers to help destroy Rome in revenge. Together they march on the city with devastating success. As Rome faces imminent destruction, various delegations plead with Coriolanus to spare the city, but he remains unmoved until his mother Volumnia, wife Virgilia, and young son appear before him. In the play’s climactic scene, Volumnia’s emotional appeal finally breaks through his resolve, and he agrees to make peace - knowing this decision will likely cost him his life. True to expectation, Aufidius and his conspirators kill Coriolanus for his “betrayal,” viewing his mercy toward Rome as weakness and treachery to their cause.