By mingling them with us, the honour’d number,
Who lack not virtue, no, nor power, but that
Which they have given to beggars.
(iII. i. 68.)
For, and this is one of Shakespeare’s additions, if they have any share at all, being the majority they will swamp the votes of the superior order.
You are plebeians,
If they be senators; and they are no less,
When, both your voices blended, the great’st taste
Most palates theirs.
(iII. i. 101.)