Page 2860 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

MENENIUS

One word more, one word!
This tiger-footed rage, when it shall find [310]
The harm of unscanned swiftness, will too late

Tie leaden pounds to’s heels. Proceed by process,
Lest parties − as he is beloved − break out
And sack great Rome with Romans.

BRUTUS
If it were so −

SICINIUS
What do ye talk? [315]
Have we not had a taste of his obedience?

Our Aediles smote? Ourselves resisted? Come!

MENENIUS
Consider this. He has been bred i’th’wars
Since ‘a could draw a sword, and is ill schooled
In bolted language. Meal and bran together [320]

He throws without distinction. Give me leave,
I’ll go to him and undertake to bring him
Where he shall answer by a lawful form,
In peace, to his utmost peril.

FIRST SENATOR
Noble Tribunes,

It is the humane way. The other course [325]
Will prove too bloody, and the end of it
Unknown to the beginning.

SICINIUS
Noble Menenius,

Be you then as the people’s officer.
Masters, lay down your weapons.

BRUTUS