Page 2833 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

FOURTH CITIZEN

You have been a scourge to her [90] enemies, you have been a rod to her
friends. You have not indeed loved the common people.

CORIOLANUS
You should account me the more virtuous that I have not been common in
my love. I will, sir, flatter my sworn brother the people, to earn a [95] dearer

estimation of them. ’Tis a condition they account gentle; and since the
wisdom of their choice is rather to have my hat than my heart, I will practise
the insinuating nod and be off to them most counterfeitly. That is, sir, I will
counterfeit the bewitchment of some [100] popular man and give it bountiful

to the desirers. Therefore, beseech you I may be consul.

FIFTH CITIZEN

We hope to find you our friend, and therefore give you our voices heartily.

FOURTH CITIZEN
You have received many wounds [105] for your country.

CORIOLANUS
I will not seal your knowledge with showing them. I will make much of your
voices and so trouble you no farther.

BOTH
The gods give you joy, sir, heartily! [110]

Exeunt.

CORIOLANUS
Most sweet voices.
Better it is to die, better to starve,
Than crave the hire which first we do deserve.
Why in this wolvish toge should I stand here

To beg of Hob and Dick that does appear [115]
Their needless vouches? Custom calls me to’t.
What custom wills, in all things should we do’t,

The dust on antique time would lie unswept
And mountainous error be too highly heaped