Com. I minded him how royal 'twas to pardon
When it was less expected: he replied,
It was a bare petition of a state 20
To one whom they had punish'd.
Men. Very well.
Could he say less?
Com. I offer'd to awaken his regard
For 's private friends: his answer to me was, 24
He could not stay to pick them in a pile
Of noisome musty chaff: he said 'twas folly,
For one poor grain or two, to leave unburnt
And still to nose th' offence.
Men. For one poor grain or two! 28
I am one of those; his mother, wife, his child,
And this brave fellow too, we are the grains:
You are the musty chaff, and you are smelt
Above the moon. We must be burnt for you. 32
Sic. Nay, pray, be patient: if you refuse your aid
In this so-never-needed help, yet do not
Upbraid 's with our distress. But, sure, if you
Would be your country's pleader, your good tongue, 36
More than the instant army we can make,
Might stop our countryman.
Men. No; I'll not meddle.
Sic. Pray you, go to him.
Men. What should I do? 40
Bru. Only make trial what your love can do
For Rome towards Martius.
Men. Well; and say that Martius
Return me, as Cominius is return'd,
18 minded: reminded
20 bare: threadbare, poor
23 offer'd: presumed
28 nose: smell
offence: nuisance, offensive matter
37 instant: capable of being raised at once
42 towards: in relation to
