The counsellor heart, the arm our soldier, In this our fabrick, if that they Men. What then? 'Fore me, this fellow speaks!-what then? what then? 1 Cit. Should by the cormorant belly be restrain'd, Who is the sink o'th' body, Men. Well, what then? 1 Cit. The former agents, if they did complain, What could the belly answer? Men. I will tell you; 1 Cit. You are long about it. Note me this, good friend; Your most grave belly was deliberate, Not rash like his accusers, and thus answer'd. Whereby they live: And though that all at once, 1 Cit. Ay, sir; well, well. Men. Though all at once cannot See what I do deliver out to each; Yet I can make my audit up, that all 1 Cit. I the great toe? Why the great toe? Enter CAIUS MARCIUS. Mar. Thanks.-What's the matter, you dissentious rogues, That rubbing the poor itch of your opinion, 1 Cit. We have ever your good word Mar. He that will give good woods 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 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, To make him worthy, whose offence subdues him, Deserves your hate: and your affections are A sick man's appetite, who desires most that Him vile, that was your garland. What's the matter, 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? Men. For corn at their own rates; whereof, they say, The city is well stor'd. Mar. Hang'em! They say? They'll sit by th' fire, and presume to know Who thrives, and who declines: side factions, and give out Conjectural marriages; making parties strong, And feebling such as stand not in their liking, Below their cobbled shoes. They say, there's grain enough? Would the nobility lay aside their ruth, And let me use my sword, I'd make a quarry With thousands of these quarter'd slaves, as high Men. Nay, these are almost thoroughly persuaded; For though abundantly they lack discretion, Yet are they passing cowardly. But, I beseech you, They are dissolved: Hang'em! They said, they were an-hungry; sigh'd forth pro verbs ; That, hunger broke stone walls; that, dogs must eat; That, meat was made for mouths; that, the gods sent not Corn for the rich men only:- With these shreds They vented their complainings; which being answer'd, And a petition granted them, a strange one, (To break the heart of generosity, And make bold power look pale,) they threw their caps As they would hang them on the horns o'th' moon, Shouting their emulation. Men. What is granted them? Mar. Five tribunes, to defend their vulgar wisdoms, Of their own choice: One's Junius Brutus, Sicinius Velutus, and I know not-'Sdeath! The rabble should have first unroof'd the city, Ere so prevail'd with me: it will in time Win upon power, and throw forth greater themes For insurrection's arguing. Men. This is strange. Mar. Go, get you home, you fragments! Enter a Messenger, Here: What's the matter Mess. Where's Caius Marcius? Mess. The news is, sir, the Volces are in arms. Mar. I am glad on't; then we shall have means to vent Our musty superfluity: -See, our best elders. Enter COMINIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, and other Senators; JUNIUS BRUTUS, and SICINIUS VELUTUS. 1 Sen. Marcius, 'tis true, that you have lately told us; The Volces are in arms. They have a leader, Tullus Aufidius, that will put you to't. I sin in envying his nobility: And were I any thing but what I am, I would wish me only he. Com. You have fought together. Mar. Were half to half the world by th'ears, and he Upon my party, I'd revolt, to make Only my wars with him: he is a lion That I am proud to hunt. 1 Sen. Attend upon Cominius to these wars. Then, worthy Marcius, Sir, it is; Com. It is your former promise. And I am constant.-Titus Lartius, thou What, art thou stiff? stand'st out? Tit. No, Caius Marcius; I'll lean upon one crutch, and fight with th' other, Ere stay behind this business. Men. O, true bred: 1 Sen. Your company to th' Capitol; where, I know, Our greatest friends attend us. Tit. Lead you on: Follow, Cominius; we must follow you; Right worthy you priority. Noble Lartius! |