Vol. Because that now it lies you on to speak[3301][3302]
To the people; not by your own instruction,[3301]
Nor by the matter which your heart prompts you,[3301][3303]
But with such words that are but roted in[3301][3304] 55
Your tongue, though but bastards and syllables[3301][3305]
Of no allowance to your bosom's truth.[3306]
Now, this no more dishonours you at all
Than to take in a town with gentle words,
Which else would put you to your fortune and 60
The hazard of much blood.
I would dissemble with my nature, where
My fortunes and my friends at stake required
I should do so in honour. I am in this,[3307]
Your wife, your son, these senators, the nobles;[3308] 65
And you will rather show our general louts
How you can frown than spend a fawn upon 'em,
For the inheritance of their loves and safeguard
Of what that want might ruin.
Men. Noble lady![3309]
Come, go with us; speak fair: you may salve so, 70
Not what is dangerous present, but the loss[3310]
Of what is past.
Vol. I prithee now, my son,
Go to them, with this bonnet in thy hand;[3311]
And thus far having stretch'd it—here be with them—[3312][3313]
Thy knee bussing the stones—for in such business[3312] 75
Action is eloquence, and the eyes of the ignorant
More learned than the ears—waving thy head,[3314][3315][3316]
Which often, thus, correcting thy stout heart,[3314][3316][3317][3318][3319]
Now humble as the ripest mulberry[3318][3320]
That will not hold the handling: or say to them,[3320][3321] 80
Thou art their soldier, and being bred in broils
Hast not the soft way which, thou dost confess,
Were fit for thee to use, as they to claim,[3322]
In asking their good loves; but thou wilt frame
Thyself, forsooth, hereafter theirs, so far 85
As thou hast power and person.
Men. This but done,
Even as she speaks, why, their hearts were yours;[3323]
For they have pardons, being ask'd, as free
As words to little purpose.
Vol. Prithee now,
Go, and be ruled: although I know thou hadst rather[3324] 90
Follow thine enemy in a fiery gulf
Than flatter him in a bower.
Enter Cominius.
Here is Cominius.
Com. I have been i' the market-place; and, sir, 'tis fit[3325]
You make strong party, or defend yourself[3326]
By calmness or by absence: all's in anger. 95
Men. Only fair speech.
Com. I think 'twill serve, if he[3327]
Can thereto frame his spirit.[3327]