Page 2777 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

MENENIUS

’Though all at once cannot [140]
See what I do deliver out to each,
Yet I can make my audit up, that all

From me do back receive the flour of all,
And leave me but the bran.’ What say you to’t?

FIRST CITIZEN
It was an answer. How apply you this? [145]

MENENIUS
The senators of Rome are this good belly,
And you the mutinous members. For examine
Their counsels and their cares, digest things rightly

Touching the weal o’th’common, you shall find
No public benefit which you receive [150]
But it proceeds or comes from them to you,

And no way from yourselves. What do you think,
You, the great toe of this assembly?

FIRST CITIZEN
I the great toe? Why the great toe?

MENENIUS
For that being one o’th’lowest, basest, poorest [155]
Of this most wise rebellion, thou goest foremost.
Thou rascal, that art worst in blood to run,

Lead’st first to win some vantage.
But make you ready your stiff bats and clubs.
Rome and her rats are at the point of battle; [160]

The one side must have bale.

Enter Caius Martius.

Hail, noble Martius!

MARTIUS