2. Cit. Worthy Menenius Agrippa; one that
hath always loved the people.
1. Cit. He's one honest enough: would all the
rest were so! 56
Men. What work's, my countrymen, in hand? Where go you
With bats and clubs? The matter? Speak, I pray you.
2. Cit. Our business is not unknown to the
senate; they have had inkling this fortnight what 60
we intend to do, which now we'll show 'em in
deeds. They say poor suitors have strong
breaths: they shall know we have strong arms
too. 64
Men. Why, masters, my good friends, mine honest neighbours,
Will you undo yourselves?
2. Cit. We cannot, sir; we are undone
already. 68
Men. I tell you, friends, most charitable care
Have the patricians of you. For your wants,
Your suffering in this dearth, you may as well
Strike at the heaven with your staves as lift them 72
Against the Roman state, whose course will on
The way it takes, cracking ten thousand curbs
Of more strong link asunder than can ever
Appear in your impediment. For the dearth, 76
The gods, not the patricians, make it, and
Your knees to them, not arms, must help. Alack!
You are transported by calamity
Thither where more attends you; and you slander 80
The helms o' the state, who care for you like fathers,
When you curse them as enemies.
58 bats: heavy sticks
74 curbs: restraining chains
80 more: more calamity
81 helms: pilots
