Page 2820 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

SICINIUS

It shall be to him then as our good wills,
A sure destruction.

BRUTUS
So it must fall out [235]
To him, or our authority’s for an end.

We must suggest the people in what hatred
He still hath held them; that to’s power he would
Have made them mules, silenced their pleaders and
Dispropertied their freedoms, holding them [240]

In human action and capacity
Of no more soul nor fitness for the world
Than camels in the war, who have their provand
Only for bearing burdens, and sore blows

For sinking under them.

SICINIUS
This, as you say, suggested [245]
At some time when his soaring insolence
Shall teach the people − which time shall not want,
If he be put upon’t, and that’s as easy

As to set dogs on sheep − will be his fire
To kindle their dry stubble; and their blaze [250]
Shall darken him for ever.

Enter a Messenger.

BRUTUS
What’s the matter?

MESSENGER

You are sent for to the Capitol. ’Tis thought
That Martius shall be consul.
I have seen the dumb men throng to see him and
The blind to hear him speak. Matrons flung gloves, [255]

Ladies and maids their scarfs and handkerchers,
Upon him as he passed. The nobles bended