Mar. What meanest thou by that? Mend me, thou saucy fellow? 2 Cit. Why, sir, cobble you. Flav. Thou art a cobbler, art thou? 2 Cit. Truly, sir, all that I live by is with the awl: I meddle with no tradesman's matters, nor women's matters, but with all. I am, indeed, sir, a surgeon to old shoes; when they are in great danger, I recover them. As proper men as ever trod upon neat's-leather have gone upon my handiwork. Flav. But wherefore art not in thy shop to-day? Why dost thou lead these men about the streets? 2 Cit. Truly, sir, to wear out their shoes, to get myself into more work. But, indeed, sir, we make holiday, to see Cæsar, and to rejoice in his triumph. Mar. Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home? What tributaries follow him to Rome, To grace in captive bonds his chariot-wheels? You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things! And do you now put on your best attire? Run to your houses, fall upon your knees, [Ex. Citizens. Flav. Go, go, good countrymen, and, for this fault. If you do find them deck'd with ceremonies. You know it is the feast of Lupercal. Flav. It is no matter; let no images Who else would soar above the view of men, [Exeunt. SCENE II.-The same. A public Place. Enter, in procession, with music, Cæsar; Antony, for the course; CALPHURNIA, PORTIA, DECIUS, CICERO, BRUTUS, CASSIUS, and CASCA, a great crowd following; among them a Soothsayer. Cas. Calphurnia,— Casca. Cæs. Peace, ho! Cæsar speaks. [Music ceases. Calphurnia, Cal. Here, my lord. Cas. Stand you directly in Antonius' way, When he doth run his course.-Antonius, Ant. Cæsar, my lord. Cæs. Forget not, in your speed, Antonius, To touch Calphurnia: for our elders say, The barren, touched in this holy chase, Shake off their steril curse. Ant. I shall remember: When Cæsar says "Do this," it is perform'd. Cæs. Set on; and leave no ceremony out. [Music. Sooth. Cæsar. Cas. Ha! Who calls? Casca. Bid every noise be still:-Peace yet again. [Music ceases. Cæs. Cæsar. Cas. What say'st thou to me now? Speak once again. Cas. He is a dreamer; let us leave him ;-pass. Cas. I pray you, do. Bru. I am not gamesome: I do lack some part Of that quick spirit that is in Antony. Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires; I'll leave you. Cas. Brutus, I do observe you now of late: Bru. Cassius, Be not deceiv'd: If I have veil'd my look, Which give some soil, perhaps, to my behaviours: Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war, Cas. Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your pas- By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried And it is very much lamented, Brutus, That you might see your shadow. I have heard, Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes. Bru. Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, That you would have me seek into myself For that which is not in me? Cas. Therefore, good Brutus, be prepar'd to hear: And, since you know you cannot see yourself So well as by reflection, I, your glass, Will modestly discover to yourself That of yourself which you yet know not of. VOL. X. J Were I a common laugher, or did use To all the rout, then hold me dangerous. [Flourish and shout. Bru. What means this shouting? I do fear the people Choose Cæsar for their king. Cas. Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you would not have it so. Bru. I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well :— But wherefore do you hold me here so long? What is it that you would impart to me? If it be aught toward the general good, Set honour in one eye, and death is the other, And I will look on both indifferently: For, let the gods so speed me as I love The name of honour more than I fear death. Cas. I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus, As well as I do know your outward favour. Well, honour is the subject of my story.I cannot tell what you and other men Think of this life; but, for my single self, I had as lief not be as live to be In awe of such a thing as I myself. I was born free as Cæsar; so were you : |