Him vile that was your garland. What's the matter,
That in these several places of the city
You cry against the noble senate, who, 192
Under the gods, keep you in awe, which else
Would feed on one another? What's their seeking?
Men. For corn at their own rates; whereof they say
The city is well stor'd.
Mar. Hang 'em! They say! 196
They'll sit by the fire, and presume to know
What's done i' the Capitol; who's like to rise,
Who thrives, and who declines; side factions, and give out
Conjectural marriages; making parties strong, 200
And feebling such as stand not in their liking
Below their cobbled shoes. They say there's grain enough!
Would the nobility lay aside their ruth,
And let me use my sword, I'd make a quarry 204
With thousands of these quarter'd slaves, as high
As I could pick my lance.
Men. Nay, these are almost thoroughly persuaded;
For though abundantly they lack discretion, 208
Yet are they passing cowardly. But, I beseech you,
What says the other troop?
Mar. They are dissolv'd: hang em!
They said they were an-hungry; sigh'd forth proverbs:
That hunger broke stone walls; that dogs must eat; 212
That meat was made for mouths; that the gods sent not
Corn for the rich men only. With these shreds
They vented their complainings; which being answer'd,
198 like: likely
199 side: espouse
200 parties: favored factions
201 feebling: reducing
204 quarry: pile of dead
206 pick: pitch
209 passing: surpassingly
215 vented: gave vent to
answer'd: satisfied
