First Cit. Once, if he do require our voices, we ought[2987]
not to deny him.
Sec. Cit. We may, sir, if we will.
Third Cit. We have power in ourselves to do it, but it
is a power that we have no power to do: for if he show us 5
his wounds and tell us his deeds, we are to put our tongues[2988]
into those wounds and speak for them; so, if he tell us his[2989]
noble deeds, we must also tell him our noble acceptance of
them. Ingratitude is monstrous: and for the multitude to
be ingrateful, were to make a monster of the multitude; of 10
the which we being members, should bring ourselves to be
monstrous members.
First Cit. And to make us no better thought of, a little
help will serve; for once we stood up about the corn, he[2990]
himself stuck not to call us the many-headed multitude.[2991] 15
Third Cit. We have been called so of many; not that
our heads are some brown, some black, some auburn, some[2992]
bald, but that our wits are so diversely coloured: and truly
I think, if all our wits were to issue out of one skull, they[2993]
would fly east, west, north, south, and their consent of one 20
direct way should be at once to all the points o' the compass.[2994]
Sec. Cit. Think you so? Which way do you judge my
wit would fly?
Third Cit. Nay, your wit will not so soon out as another
man's will; 'tis strongly wedged up in a block-head; but if[2995] 25
it were at liberty, 'twould, sure, southward.[2996]
Sec. Cit. Why that way?
Third Cit. To lose itself in a fog; where being three
parts melted away with rotten dews, the fourth would return[2997]
for conscience sake, to help to get thee a wife. 30
Sec. Cit. You are never without your tricks: you may,
you may.[2998]