[It is not corn, but the property of the state, and its appropriation, we talk of here. Whether the absolute power be in the hands of the people or 'their officer.' There had been a speech made on that subject, which had not met with the approbation of the absolute power then conducting the affairs of this realm; and in its main principle, it is repeated here. 'That was my speech, and I will make it again.' 'Not now, not now. Not in this heat, sir, now.' 'Now, as I live, I will.']
Men. Well, well, no more of that,
Cor. Though there THE PEOPLE had more absolute power, I say they nourished disobedience, fed The ruin of the state.
Bru. Why shall the people give One that speaks thus their voice?
Cor. I'll give my reasons, More worthier than their voices. They know the corn Was not our RECOMPENSE; resting well assured They ne'er did service for it? . . . Well, what then? How shall this bosom multiplied, digest; The senate's courtesy? Let deeds express What's like to be their words. We did request it, WE are THE GREATER POLL, and in true fear They gave us our demands. Thus we debase The nature of our seats, and make the rabble Call our cares, fears: which will in time break ope The locks o' the senate, and bring in the crows To peck the eagles.
Mem. Come, enough.
Bru. Enough, with over measure.
Cor. No, take more;
What may be sworn by, both divine and human,
Seal what I end withal! This double worship,—
Where one part does disdain with cause, the other
Insult without all reason; where gentry, title, wisdom,
Cannot conclude, but by the yea and no
Of General Ignorance—it must omit
Real necessities, and give way the while
To unstable slightness. PURPOSE so barred it follows
Nothing is done to purpose: Therefore beseech you,—
[Therefore beseech you].
You that will be less fearful than discreet;
That love the fundamental part of state,
More than you doubt the change of't—