_Timag._ The mystery, rascals! Open the ports, and play not with an anger That will consume you. _Timol._ This is above wonder. _Archid._ Our bondmen stand against us! _Grac._ Some such things We were in man's remembrance. The slaves are turn'd Lords of the town, or so--nay, be not angry: Perhaps, upon good terms, giving security You will be quiet men, we may allow you Some lodgings in our garrets or outhouses: Your great looks cannot carry it. _Cimb._ The truth is, We have been bold to rifle your rich chests, Been busy with your wardrobes. _Timag._ Can we endure this? _Leost._ O my Cleora! _Grac._ A caudle for the gentleman; He'll die o' the pip else. _Timag._ Scorn'd too! are you turn'd stone? Hold parley with our bondmen! force our entrance, Then, villains, expect---- _Timol._ Hold! You wear men's shapes, And if, like men, you have reason, show a cause That leads you to this desperate course, which must end In your destruction. _Grac._ That, as please the Fates; But we vouchsafe----Speak, captain. _Timag._ Hell and furies! _Archid._ Bay'd by our own curs! _Cimb._ Take heed you be not worried. _Poliph._ We are sharp set. _Cimb._ And sudden. _Mar._ Briefly thus, then, Since I must speak for all--Your tyranny Drew us from our obedience. Happy those times When lords were styled fathers of families, And not imperious masters! when they number'd Their servants almost equal with their sons, Or one degree beneath them! when their labours Were cherish'd and rewarded, and a period Set to their sufferings; when they did not press Their duties or their wills, beyond the power And strength of their performance! all things order'd With such decorum, as[121] wise lawmakers, From each well-govern'd private house derived The perfect model of a commonwealth. Humanity then lodged in the hearts of men, And thankful masters carefully provided For creatures wanting reason. The noble horse, That, in his fiery youth, from his wide nostrils Neigh'd courage to his rider, and brake through Groves of opposed pikes, bearing his lord Safe to triumphant victory; old or wounded, Was set at liberty, and freed from service. The Athenian mules, that from the quarry drew Marble, hew'd for the temples of the gods, The great work ended, were dismiss'd, and fed At the public cost; nay, faithful dogs have found Their sepulchres; but man, to man more cruel, Appoints no end to the sufferings of his slave; Since pride stepp'd in and riot, and o'erturn'd This goodly frame of concord, teaching masters To glory in the abuse of such as are Brought under their command; who, grown unuseful, Are less esteem'd than beasts.--This you have practised, Practised on us with rigour; this hath forced us To shake our heavy yokes off; and, if redress Of these just grievances be not granted us, We'll right ourselves, and by strong hand defend