Than in our priest-like fasts; therefore I’ll watch him
Till he be dieted to my request,
And then I’ll set upon him.
(V. i. 50.)
But the worthy bon-vivant is thoroughly in earnest, and in the crisis of his altercation with the sentinel harks back to this key of the position, as he supposes it to be:
Has he dined, canst thou tell? for I would not speak with him till after dinner.
(V. ii. 36.)
All these, however, are very human weaknesses, that sort well with the geniality of the man, and, just because they are very human weaknesses, might have a wholesome rather than a prejudicial effect on the overstrained tensity of Marcius. So far then, despite the excessive and uncritical in Menenius’ love, his patriotism, his moderation, his popular bent, commended by his persuasive tongue and companionable ways, might tend to supplement the defects and transcend the limitations of Volumnia’s training. But Menenius has other qualities akin to, or associated with, those that we have discussed, which would have a more questionable and not less decisive influence. He admits that he is
said to be something imperfect in favouring the first complaint.
(II. i. 53.)