_First Ban._ We cannot live on grass, on berries, water, As beasts and birds and fishes. _Tim._ Nor on the beasts themselves, the birds and fishes; 420 You must eat men. Yet thanks I must you con That you are thieves profess'd, that you work not In holier shapes: for there is boundless theft In limited professions. Rascal thieves,[2576] Here's gold. Go, suck the subtle blood o' the grape, 425 Till the high fever seethe your blood to froth,[2577] And so 'scape hanging: trust not the physician; His antidotes are poison, and he slays Moe than you rob: take wealth and lives together;[2578] Do villany, do, since you protest to do't,[2579][2580] 430 Like workmen. I'll example you with thievery:[2580] The sun's a thief, and with his great attraction Robs the vast sea: the moon's an arrant thief,[2581] And her pale fire she snatches from the sun: The sea's a thief, whose liquid surge resolves 435 The moon into salt tears: the earth's a thief,[2582] That feeds and breeds by a composture stol'n[2583] From general excrement: each thing's a thief:[2584] The laws, your curb and whip, in their rough power Have uncheck'd theft. Love not yourselves; away,[2585] 440 Rob one another. There's more gold. Cut throats:[2586] All that you meet are thieves: to Athens go, Break open shops; nothing can you steal,[2587] But thieves do lose it: steal not less for this[2588][2589][2590] I give you; and gold confound you howsoe'er![2588][2590][2591] 445 Amen.[2588][2592] _Third Ban._ Has almost charmed me from my profession[2593] by persuading me to it. _First Ban._ 'Tis in the malice of mankind that he thus[2594] advises us; not to have us thrive in our mystery.[2595] 450 _Sec. Ban._ I'll believe him as an enemy, and give over[2596] my trade.[2596] _First Ban._ Let us first see peace in Athens: there is no[2597] time so miserable but a man may be true.[2597][2598] [_Exeunt Banditti._ _Enter_ FLAVIUS.