_Bru._ Could you not have told him, As you were lesson'd, when he had no power, 170 But was a petty servant to the state, He was your enemy; ever spake against[3068] Your liberties and the charters that you bear[3069] I' the body of the weal: and now, arriving A place of potency and sway o' the state,[3070] 175 If he should still malignantly remain Fast foe to the plebeii, your voices might[3071] Be curses to yourselves? You should have said, That as his worthy deeds did claim no less Than what he stood for, so his gracious nature 180 Would think upon you for your voices and[3072][3073] Translate his malice towards you into love,[3073] Standing your friendly lord. _Sic._ Thus to have said, As you were fore-advised, had touch'd his spirit And tried his inclination; from him pluck'd 185 Either his gracious promise, which you might, As cause had call'd you up, have held him to; Or else it would have gall'd his surly nature, Which easily endures not article[3074] Tying him to aught: so, putting him to rage,[3074] 190 You should have ta'en the advantage of his choler, And pass'd him unelected. _Bru._ Did you perceive He did solicit you in free contempt[3075] When he did need your loves; and do you think[3075] That his contempt shall not be bruising to you 195 When he hath power to crush? Why, had your bodies[3076] No heart among you? or had you tongues to cry Against the rectorship of judgement? _Sic._ Have you,[3077] Ere now, denied the asker? and now again,[3077] Of him that did not ask but mock, bestow[3077][3078] 200 Your sued-for tongues?[3077][3079] _Third Cit._ He's not confirm'd; we may deny him yet.[3079] _Sec. Cit._ And will deny him:[3080] I'll have five hundred voices of that sound.[3081] _First Cit._ I twice five hundred, and their friends to piece 'em.[3082] 205 _Bru._ Get you hence instantly, and tell those friends, They have chose a consul that will from them take[3083] Their liberties, make them of no more voice Than dogs that are as often beat for barking As therefore kept to do so.[3084]