The Tragedy of Coriolanus Act 1, Scene 1

He that will give good words to thee will flatter Beneath abhorring. What would you have, you curs, That like nor peace nor war the one affrights you, The other makes you proud. He that trusts to you, Where he should find you lions, finds you hares; Where foxes, geese: you are no surer, no, Than is the coal of fire upon the ice, Or hailstone in the sun. Your virtue is To make him worthy whose offence subdues him And curse that justice did it. Who deserves greatness Deserves your hate; and your affections are A sick man s appetite, who desires most that Which would increase his evil. He that depends Upon your favours swims with fins of lead And hews down oaks with rushes. Hang ye Trust Ye With every minute you do change a mind, And call him noble that was now your hate, Him vile that was your garland. What s the matter, That in these several places of the city You cry against the noble senate, who, Under the gods, keep you in awe, which else Would feed on one another What s their seeking