Nothing is done to purpose. Therefore, beseech you,— 148
You that will be less fearful than discreet,
That love the fundamental part of state
More than you doubt the change on 't, that prefer
A noble life before a long, and wish 152
To jump a body with a dangerous physic
That's sure of death without it, at once pluck out
The multitudinous tongue; let them not lick
The sweet which is their poison. Your dishonour 156
Mangles true judgment, and bereaves the state
Of that integrity which should become 't,
Not having the power to do the good it would,
For th' ill which doth control 't.
Bru. H'as said enough. 160
Sic. H'as spoken like a traitor, and shall answer
As traitors do.
Cor. Thou wretch! despite o'erwhelm thee! 163
What should the people do with these bald tribunes?
On whom depending, their obedience fails
To the greater bench. In a rebellion,
When what's not meet, but what must be, was law,
Then were they chosen: in a better hour, 168
Let what is meet be said it must be meet,
And throw their power i' the dust.
Bru. Manifest treason!
Sic. This a consul? no.
Bru. The ædiles, ho!
149 less . . . discreet: prudent rather than timid
150, 151 That . . . on 't: whose devotion to the essentials of good government exceeds your fear of innovations in politics
153 jump: put in hazard
155 multitudinous tongue: i.e. voting power of the rabble
160 H'as: he has
161 answer: abide the penalty
163 despite: malice
166 greater bench: senate
167 what's . . . be: inevitable necessity, however unfitting
172 ædiles: ædiles of the people, assistants to the tribunes
