Fourth Cit. You have deserved nobly of your country,[3022]
and you have not deserved nobly.
Cor. Your enigma?[3023]
Fourth Cit. You have been a scourge to her enemies,[3022] 85
you have been a rod to her friends; you have not indeed
loved the common people.
Cor. You should account me the more virtuous, that I
have not been common in my love. I will, sir, flatter my[3024]
sworn brother, the people, to earn a dearer estimation of[3025] 90
them; 'tis a condition they account gentle: and since the
wisdom of their choice is rather to have my hat than my[3026]
heart, I will practise the insinuating nod and be off to[3027]
them most counterfeitly; that is, sir, I will counterfeit the
bewitchment of some popular man, and give it bountiful to[3028] 95
the desirers. Therefore, beseech you, I may be consul.[3029]
Fifth Cit. We hope to find you our friend; and therefore[3030]
give you our voices heartily.
Fourth Cit. You have received many wounds for your[3022]
country. 100
Cor. I will not seal your knowledge with showing them.
I will make much of your voices, and so trouble you no
farther.
Both Cit. The gods give you joy, sir, heartily! [Exeunt.[3031]
Cor. Most sweet voices! 105
Better it is to die, better to starve,[3032]
Than crave the hire which first we do deserve.[3033]
Why in this woolvish toge should I stand here,[3034][3035]
To beg of Hob and Dick that do appear,[3034][3036][3037]
Their needless vouches? Custom calls me to 't:[3034][3036][3038] 110
What custom wills, in all things should we do 't,[3034][3039]
The dust on antique time would lie unswept,[3034]
And mountainous error be too highly heap'd[3034]
For truth to o'er-peer. Rather than fool it so,[3034][3040]
Let the high office and the honour go[3034] 115
To one that would do thus. I am half through:[3034]
The one part suffer'd, the other will I do.[3034]
Re-enter three Citizens more.[3041]