THEY attacked and defeated several of the Roman allies, and at last encamped at the head of a numerous army within five miles of Rome. The Romans, thus pressed to their very walls, began to humble themselves to the man they had before treated so harshly; they sent to him, begging he would withdraw the army, and they would restore him to the station he formerly held: but Coriolanus was not to be won by their entreaties. They then sent a deputation composed of the priests and augurs, but without avail.

As a last resource, Veturia his mother, Volumnia his wife,1 and children, went accompanied by the principal matrons of the city. Coriolanus perceiving their approach, determined still to remain inflexible, but came down from his tribunal to meet and embrace them. The meeting was affecting: for some time Coriolanus refused to grant their request; till at length, overcome by their presence, he exclaimed, “O, my mother, thou hast saved Rome, but lost thy son.”

He then took leave of them, and gave instructions for the army to be drawn off. Tullus, who had before been envious of his glory, easily incited the people to rebel, and slay the unfortunate Roman.