SECOND CITIZEN.
What he cannot help in his nature you account a vice in him. You must in no way say he is covetous.
FIRST CITIZEN.
If I must not, I need not be barren of accusations. He hath faults, with surplus, to tire in repetition. [Shouts within.] What shouts are these? The other side o’ th’ city is risen. Why stay we prating here? To th’ Capitol!
ALL.
Come, come!
Enter Menenius Agrippa.
FIRST CITIZEN.
Soft, who comes here?
SECOND CITIZEN.
Worthy Menenius Agrippa, one that hath always loved the people.
FIRST CITIZEN.
He’s one honest enough. Would all the rest were so!
MENENIUS.
What work’s, my countrymen, in hand? Where go you
With bats and clubs? The matter? Speak, I pray you.
FIRST CITIZEN.
Our business is not unknown to th’ Senate. They have had inkling this fortnight what we intend to do, which now we’ll show ’em in deeds. They say poor suitors have strong breaths; they shall know we have strong arms too.
MENENIUS.
Why, masters, my good friends, mine honest neighbours,
Will you undo yourselves?