dom of their choice is rather to have my hat 104
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 popular man, and give it bountiful to 108
the desirers. Therefore, beseech you, I may be
consul.
2. Cit. We hope to find you our friend, and
therefore give you our voices heartily. 112
1. Cit. You have received many wounds for
your country.
Cor. I will not seal your knowledge with
showing them. I will make much of your voices, 116
and so trouble you no farther.
Both. The gods give you joy, sir, heartily!
Cor. Most sweet voices!
Better it is to die, better to starve, 120
Than crave the hire which first we do deserve.
Why in this wolfish toge should I stand here,
To beg of Hob and Dick, that does appear,
Their needless vouches? Custom calls me to 't: 124
What custom wills, in all things should we do 't,
The dust on antique time would lie unswept,
And mountainous error be too highly heap'd
For truth to o'er-peer. Rather than fool it so, 128
Let the high office and the honour go
To one that would do thus. I am half through;
The one part suffer'd, the other will I do.
106 be off: bare my head
counterfeitly: hypocritically
107 bewitchment: sorcery
108 popular man: demagogue
bountiful: bountifully
115 seal: confirm
121 first: previously, already
122 wolfish toge; cf. n.
123 Hob . . . appear: whatever plebeian appears
124 needless vouches: unnecessary confirmations
128 o'er-peer: peep over the accumulation of tradition
fool it: play the fool
