1 CITIZEN.

Before we proceed any farther, hear me speak.

All.

Speak, speak.

1 Cit.

You are all resolv'd rather to die, than to famish?

All.

Resolv'd, resolv'd.

1 Cit.

First, you know, Caius Marcius is the chief enemy to the people.

All.

We know't, we know't.

1 Cit.

Let us kill him, and we'll have Corn at our own price. Is't a Verdict?

All.

No more talking on't, let't be done; away, away.

2 Cit.

One word, good Citizens.

1 Cit.

We are accounted poor Citizens; the Patricians, good: what Authority surfeits on, would relieve

us: if they would yield us but the superfluity, while it were wholesome, we might guess, they relieved us humanely: but they think, we are too dear; the leanness that afflicts us, the object of our misery, is as an inventory to particularize their abundance; our sufferance is a gain to them. ^{1 note}Let us revenge this with our Pikes, ere we become Rakes: for the Gods know, I speak this in hunger for bread, not in thirst for revenge.

2 Cit.

Would you proceed especially against Caius Marcius.

All.

Against him first: he's a very dog to the Commonalty.

2 Cit.

Consider you, what services he has done for his Country!

1 Cit.

Very well; and could be content to give him good report for't; but that he pays himself with being proud.

All.

Nay, but speak not maliciously.

1 Cit.

I say unto you, what he hath done famously, he did it to that end; though soft-conscienc'd Men can be content to say, it was for his Country; he did it to please his Mother, and to be partly proud; which he is, even to the altitude of his virtue.

2 Cit.

^{2 note}What he cannot help in his nature, you account

a vice in him: you must in no ways say, he is covetous.

1 Cit.

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 those? the other side o' th' City is risen; why stay we prating here? To the Capitol—

All.

Come, come.

1 Cit.

Soft—who comes here?