_Sic._ Speak briefly then; 285 For we are peremptory to dispatch This viperous traitor: to eject him hence[3248] Were but one danger, and to keep him here[3249] Our certain death: therefore it is decreed He dies to-night. _Men._ Now the good gods forbid 290 That our renowned Rome, whose gratitude Towards her deserved children is enroll'd[3250] In Jove's own book, like an unnatural dam Should now eat up her own! _Sic._ He's a disease that must be cut away. 295 _Men._ O, he's a limb that has but a disease; Mortal, to cut it off; to cure it, easy. What has he done to Rome that's worthy death? Killing our enemies, the blood he hath lost--[3251] Which, I dare vouch, is more than that he hath 300 By many an ounce--he dropp'd it for his country; And what is left, to lose it by his country Were to us all that do 't and suffer it[3252] A brand to the end o' the world. _Sic._ This is clean kam.[3253] _Bru._ Merely awry: when he did love his country,[3254] 305 It honour'd him.[3254] _Men._ The service of the foot[3255][3256] Being once gangrened, is not then respected[3256][3257] For what before it was.[3258] _Bru._ We'll hear no more. Pursue him to his house, and pluck him thence; Lest his infection, being of catching nature,[3259] 310 Spread further. _Men._ One word more, one word.[3260] This tiger-footed rage, when it shall find The harm of unscann'd swiftness, will, too late, Tie leaden pounds to 's heels. Proceed by process;[3261] Lest parties, as he is beloved, break out, 315 And sack great Rome with Romans. _Bru._ If it were so--[3262] _Sic._ What do ye talk? Have we not had a taste of his obedience? Our ædiles smote? ourselves resisted? Come.[3263] _Men._ Consider this: he has been bred i' the wars[3264] 320 Since he could draw a sword, and is ill school'd[3265] In bolted language; meal and bran together He throws without distinction. Give me leave, I'll go to him, and undertake to bring him[3266][3267] Where he shall answer, by a lawful form,[3267] 325 In peace, to his utmost peril.[3267] _First Sen._ Noble tribunes, It is the humane way: the other course[3268] Will prove too bloody; and the end of it Unknown to the beginning. _Sic._ Noble Menenius,[3269] Be you then as the people's officer.[3269] 330 Masters, lay down your weapons. _Bru._ Go not home.