_First Cit._ Very well; and could be content to give him good report for't, but that he pays himself with being proud. 30 _Sec. Cit._ Nay, but speak not maliciously.[2467] _First Cit._ I say unto you, what he hath done famously, he did it to that end: though soft-conscienced men can be content to say it was for his country, he did it to please his[2468] mother and to be partly proud; which he is, even to the[2469] 35 altitude of his virtue. _Sec. Cit._ What he cannot help in his nature, you account a vice in him. You must in no way say he is covetous. _First Cit._ If I must not, I need not be barren of accusations; he hath faults, with surplus, to tire in repetition. 40 [_Shouts within._] What shouts are these? The other side o'[2470][2471] the city is risen: why stay we prating here? to the Capitol! _All._ Come, come. _First Cit._ Soft! who comes here? _Enter_ MENENIUS AGRIPPA.[2472] _Sec. Cit._ Worthy Menenius Agrippa; one that hath always[2473] 45 loved the people. _First Cit._ He's one honest enough: would all the rest were so! _Men._ What work's, my countrymen, in hand? where go you[2474][2475] With bats and clubs? the matter? speak, I pray you.[2474][2476] 50 _First Cit._ Our business is not unknown to the senate;[2477] they have had inkling, this fortnight, what we intend to do,[2478] which now we'll show 'em in deeds. They say poor suitors have strong breaths: they shall know we have strong arms too. 55 _Men._ Why, masters, my good friends, mine honest neighbours,[2479] Will you undo yourselves?[2479] _First Cit._ We cannot, sir, we are undone already. _Men._ I tell you, friends, most charitable care Have the patricians of you. For your wants,[2480] 60 Your suffering in this dearth, you may as well[2481] Strike at the heaven with your staves as lift them[2482] Against the Roman state; whose course will on The way it takes, cracking ten thousand curbs Of more strong link asunder than can ever[2483] 65 Appear in your impediment. For the dearth, The gods, not the patricians, make it, and Your knees to them, not arms, must help. Alack, You are transported by calamity Thither where more attends you, and you slander 70 The helms o' the state, who care for you like fathers, When you curse them as enemies.