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1st citizen.

Our lives were precious to him; must he die?

2nd citizen.

The nobles are too strong.

CESARIO.

'Tis for your sake they are his enemies.

He might have shared their power, and kept ye slaves.

2nd citizen.

We have been much oppress'd; until he came,

No one could sit in quiet at his door.
Money and blood were the perpetual cry
Of our small tyrants.

CESARIO.

So will it be again,

If your protector perish.

ALL.

He shall not die!

CESARIO.

The nobles will not listen to your prayers.

1st citizen.

We will try threats.

CESARIO.

Threats are as vain as prayers—ye must try deeds.

2nd citizen.

What can we do? We are unarm'd and weak!

CESARIO.

But strong in your good cause. Oh, ye are strong,

If ye would know your strength!

2nd citizen.

When he was free, we could defy the world.