2 Cit. We may, sir, if we will. 3 Cit. We have power in ourselves to do it, but it is a power that we have no power to do: for if he show us his wounds, and tell us his deeds, we are to put our tongues into those wounds, and speak for them; so, if he tell us his noble deeds, we must also tell him our noble acceptance of them. Ingratitude is monstrous: and for the multitude to be ingrateful, were to make a monster of the multitude; of the which, we being members, should bring ourselves to be monstrous members. 1 Cit. And to make us no better thought of, a little help will serve: for once, when we stood up about the corn, he himself stuck not to call us the many-headed multitude. 3 Cit. We have been called so of many; not that our heads are some brown, some black, some auburn, some bald, but that our wits are so diversly coloured: and truly I think, if all our wits were to issue out of one skull, they would fly east, west, north, south; and their consent of one direct way should be at once to all points o'the compass. 2 Cit. Think you so? Which way do you judge, my wit would fly? 3 Cit. Nay, your wit will not so soon out as another man's will, 'tis strongly wedged up in a block-head: but if it were at liberty, 'twould, sure, southward. 2 Cit. Why that way? 3 Cit. To lose itself in a fog; where being three parts melted away with rotten dews, the fourth would return for conscience sake, to help to get thee a wife. 2 Cit. You are never without your may, you may. tricks :-You 3 Cit. Are you all resolved to give your voices ? But that's no matter, the greater part carries it. I say, if he would incline to the people, there was never a worthier man. Enter CORIOLANUS and Menenius. Here he comes, and in the gown of humility; mark his behaviour. We are not to stay altogether, but to come by him where he stands, by ones, by twos, and by threes. He's to make his requests by particulars: wherein every one of us has a single honour, in giving him our own voices with our own tongues: therefore follow me, and I'll direct you how you shall go by him. All. Content, content. [Exeunt. Men. O sir, you are not right: have you not known The worthiest men have done it? Cor. What must I say?-- I got them in my country's service, when -my Men. O me, the gods ! You must not speak of that; you must desire them To think upon you. Cor. Think upon me? Hang 'em! Men. You'll mar all * I would they would forget me, like the virtues Which our divines lose by them.] i. e. I wish they would forget me as they do those virtuous precepts, which the divines preach up to them, and lose by them, as it were, by their neglecting the practice. I'll leave you: Pray you, speak to them, I pray you, In wholesome manner. [Erit. Car. Enter Two Citizens. Bid them wash their faces, And keep their teeth clean.-So, here comes a brace, You know the cause, sir, of my standing here. 1 Cit. We do, sir; tell us what hath brought you "Twas never my desire yet, To trouble the poor with begging. 1 Cit. You must think, if we give you any thing, We hope to gain by you. Cor. Well then, I pray, your price o'the consulship? 1 Cit. The price is, sir, to ask it kindly. Cor. Kindly? Sir, I pray, let me ha't: I have wounds to show you, Which shall be yours in private.-Your good voice, sir; You shall have it, worthy sir. Cor. A match, sir: There is in all two worthy voices begg'd: I have your alms; adieu. 1 Cit. 2 Cit. An 'twere to give again,-But 'tis no matter. But this is something odd. [Exeunt Two Citizens. Enter Two other Citizens. Cor. Pray you now, if it may stand with the tune of your voices, that I may be consul, I have here the customary gown. 3 Cit. You have deserved nobly of your country, and you have not deserved nobly. Cor. Your enigma? 3 Cit. You have been a scourge to her enemies, you have been a rod to her friends; you have not, indeed, loved the common people. Cor. You should account me the more virtuous, that I have not been common in my love. I will, sir, flatter my sworn brother the people, to earn a dearer estimation of them; 'tis a condition they account gentle and since the wisdom of their choice is rather to have my hat than my heart, I will practise the insinuating nod, and be off to them most counterfeitly: that is, sir, I will counterfeit the bewitchment of some popular man, and give it bountifully to the desirers. Therefore, beseech you, I may be consul. 4 Cit. We hope to find you our friend; and therefore give you our voices heartily. 3 Cit. You have received many wounds for your country. Cor. I will not seal your knowledge' with showing them. I will make much of your voices, and so trouble you no further. Both Cit. The gods give you joy, sir, heartily! [Exeunt. Cor. Most sweet voices ! I will not seal your knowledge-] I will not strengthen or complete your knowledge. The seal is that which gives authenticity to a writing. Better it is to die, better to starve, Than crave the hire which first we do deserve. Their needless vouchees? Custom calls me to't:- To one that would do thus.—I am half through, Enter Three other Citizens. Here come more voices, Your voices for your voices I have fought; voices: Indeed, I would be consul. 5 Cit. He has done nobly, and cannot go without any honest man's voice. 6 Cit. Therefore let him be consul: The gods give him joy, and make him good friend to the people! All. Amen, amen. God save thee, noble consul! Cor. [Exeunt Citizens. Worthy voices! Re-enter MENENIUS, with BRUTUS, and SICINIUS. Men. You have stood your limitation; and the tribunes Endue you with the people's voice: Remains, |