_Men._ Note me this, good friend: 120 Your most grave belly was deliberate, Not rash like his accusers, and thus answer'd: 'True is it, my incorporate friends,' quoth he, 'That I receive the general food at first, Which you do live upon; and fit it is, 125 Because I am the store-house and the shop Of the whole body: but, if you do remember, I send it through the rivers of your blood, Even to the court, the heart, to the seat o' the brain;[2505][2506] And, through the cranks and offices of man,[2506][2507] 130 The strongest nerves and small inferior veins From me receive that natural competency Whereby they live: and though that all at once, You, my good friends,'--this says the belly, mark me,--[2508] _First Cit._ Ay, sir; well, well. _Men._ 'Though all at once cannot 135 See what I do deliver out to each, Yet I can make my audit up, that all From me do back receive the flour of all,[2509] And leave me but the bran.' What say you to't? _First Cit._ It was an answer: how apply you this?[2510] 140 _Men._ The senators of Rome are this good belly, And you the mutinous members: for examine[2511] Their counsels and their cares, digest things rightly[2511] Touching the weal o' the common, you shall find No public benefit which you receive 145 But it proceeds or comes from them to you And no way from yourselves. What do you think, You, the great toe of this assembly? _First Cit._ I the great toe! why the great toe? _Men._ For that, being one o' the lowest, basest, poorest, 150 Of this most wise rebellion, thou go'st foremost:[2512] Thou rascal, that art worst in blood to run,[2513][2514] Lead'st first to win some vantage.[2513] But make you ready your stiff bats and clubs: Rome and her rats are at the point of battle; 155 The one side must have bale.[2515] _Enter_ CAIUS MARCIUS. Hail, noble Marcius! _Mar._ Thanks. What's the matter, you dissentious rogues, That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion, Make yourselves scabs? _First Cit._ We have ever your good word.