Page 2829 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

We have power in ourselves to do it, but it is a power that we have no power
to do. For if he [5] show us his wounds and tell us his deeds, we are to put
our tongues into those wounds and speak for them. So, if he tell us his noble
deeds, we must also tell him our

noble acceptance of them. Ingratitude is monstrous, and for the multitude to
be ingrateful were to make a [10] monster of the multitude; of the which we
being members should bring ourselves to be monstrous members.

FIRST CITIZEN
And to make us no better thought of a little help will serve; for once we stood

up about the corn, he himself stuck not to call us the many-headed [15]
multitude.

THIRD CITIZEN
We have been called so of many; not that our heads are some brown, some
black, some
abram, some bald, but that our wits are so diversely coloured. And truly I

think if all our wits were to issue [20] out of one skull, they would fly east,
west, north, south, and their consent of one direct way should be at once to
all the points o’th’compass.

SECOND CITIZEN
Think you so? Which way do you judge my wit would fly? [25]

THIRD CITIZEN
Nay, your wit will not so soon out as another man’s will − ’tis strongly

wedged up in a blockhead; but if it were at liberty ’twould sure southward.

SECOND CITIZEN
Why that way?

THIRD CITIZEN
To lose itself in a fog, where being three [30] parts melted away with rotten
dews, the fourth would return for conscience’ sake to help to get thee a wife.

SECOND CITIZEN
You are never without your tricks. You may, you may!