The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 6 of 9]Shakespeare, William
General
The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 6 of 9]
Shakespeare, William
English drama
_Cor._ You should account me the more virtuous, that I
have not been common in my love. I will, sir, flatter my[3024]
sworn brother, the people, to earn a dearer estimation of[3025] 90
them; 'tis a condition they account gentle: and since the
wisdom of their choice is rather to have my hat than my[3026]
heart, I will practise the insinuating nod and be off to[3027]
them most counterfeitly; that is, sir, I will counterfeit the
bewitchment of some popular man, and give it bountiful to[3028] 95
the desirers. Therefore, beseech you, I may be consul.[3029]
_Fifth Cit._ We hope to find you our friend; and therefore[3030]
give you our voices heartily.
_Fourth Cit._ You have received many wounds for your[3022]
country. 100
_Cor._ I will not seal your knowledge with showing them.
I will make much of your voices, and so trouble you no
farther.
_Both Cit._ The gods give you joy, sir, heartily! [_Exeunt._[3031]
_Cor._ Most sweet voices! 105
Better it is to die, better to starve,[3032]
Than crave the hire which first we do deserve.[3033]
Why in this woolvish toge should I stand here,[3034][3035]
To beg of Hob and Dick that do appear,[3034][3036][3037]
Their needless vouches? Custom calls me to 't:[3034][3036][3038] 110
What custom wills, in all things should we do 't,[3034][3039]
The dust on antique time would lie unswept,[3034]
And mountainous error be too highly heap'd[3034]
For truth to o'er-peer. Rather than fool it so,[3034][3040]
Let the high office and the honour go[3034] 115
To one that would do thus. I am half through:[3034]
The one part suffer'd, the other will I do.[3034]
_Re-enter three_ Citizens _more_.[3041]
Here come moe voices.[3042]
Your voices: for your voices I have fought;
Watch'd for your voices; for your voices bear 120
Of wounds two dozen odd; battles thrice six[3043]
I have seen, and heard of; for your voices have[3044][3045]
Done many things, some less, some more: your voices:[3045]
Indeed, I would be consul.[3045][3046]
_Sixth Cit._ He has done nobly, and cannot go without[3047] 125
any honest man's voice.
_Seventh Cit._ Therefore let him be consul: the gods give[3048]
him joy, and make him good friend to the people![3049]
_All._ Amen, amen. God save thee, noble consul!
[_Exeunt_
_Cor._ Worthy voices! 130
_Re-enter_ MENENIUS, _with_ BRUTUS _and_ SICINIUS.[3050]
_Men._ You have stood your limitation; and the tribunes[3051][3052]
Endue you with the people's voice: remains[3051]
That in the official marks invested in you[3051]
Anon do meet the senate.[3051]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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