Page 2915 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

For I have ever varnishèd my friends −
Of whom he’s chief − with all the size that verity
Would without lapsing suffer. Nay, sometimes,
Like to a bowl upon a subtle ground, [20]

I have tumbled past the throw, and in his praise
Have almost stamped the leasing. Therefore, fellow,
I must have leave to pass.

FIRST WATCH
Faith, sir, if you had told as many lies in his behalf as you have uttered words

in your own, you [25] should not pass here; no, though it were as virtuous to
lie as to live chastely. Therefore go back.

MENENIUS
Prithee, fellow, remember my name is Menenius, always factionary on the
party of your general.

SECOND WATCH
Howsoever you have been his liar, as [30] you say you have, I am one that,
telling true under him, must say you cannot pass. Therefore go back.

MENENIUS
Has he dined, canst thou tell? For I would not speak with him till after dinner.

FIRST WATCH
You are a Roman, are you? [35]

MENENIUS
I am as thy general is.

FIRST WATCH
Then you should hate Rome, as he does. Can you, when you have pushed out
your gates the very defender of them, and in a violent popular ignorance

given your enemy your shield, think to front his [40] revenges with the easy
groans of old women, the virginal palms of your daughters, or with the
palsied intercession of such a decayed dotant as you seem to be? Can you
think to blow out the intended fire your city is ready to flame in with such