# Scene VII explained — Coriolanus

> Chapter companion for Coriolanus by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Titus Lartius, having set a guard upon Corioli, prepares to march with drum and trumpet toward Cominius and Caius Marcius. He instructs the Lieutenant to guard the gates and, if needed, send centuries to their aid, acknowledging that if they lose the field they cannot keep the town. The Lieutenant reassures him, and Lartius orders the gates shut as they depart for the Roman camp.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Valor

Lartius's careful planning and determination to support his fellow commanders exemplify the Roman martial honor and duty.

## Character check-ins

### Titus Lartius

Commands the guard at Corioli and prepares to join Cominius and Marcius.

### Caius Marcius Coriolanus

Mentioned as the destination of Lartius's march, though not present on stage.

### Cominius

Mentioned as the commander Lartius is marching to join.

## Key lines

> So, let the ports be guarded: keep your duties, As I have set them down.

Make sure the gates are guarded and follow the orders I've given you.

_Lartius instructs the Lieutenant to maintain the watch and adhere to his commands._

> If I do send, dispatch Those centuries to our aid; the rest will serve For a short holding: if we lose the field, We cannot keep the town.

If I send for reinforcements, send those centuries to help us; the remaining troops can only hold the town briefly, because if we lose the battle, we cannot keep the town anyway.

_Lartius explains the tactical reasoning behind his deployment of troops._

> Hence, and shut your gates upon’s. Our guider, come; to the Roman camp conduct us.

Go now, and close the gates behind us. Guide, come; lead us to the Roman camp.

_Lartius orders the gates shut and asks for a guide to take them to the Roman camp._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/coriolanus_se/chapters/act-i-scene-vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/coriolanus_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/coriolanus_se/chapters