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dom of their choice is rather to have my hat

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

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.

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,

and so trouble you no farther.

Both. The gods give you joy, sir, heartily!

[Exeunt.]

Cor. Most sweet voices!

Better it is to die, better to starve,

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:

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,

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

