As, by our hands, and this our present act, Hath done this deed on Cæsar. For your part, Bru. Only be patient, till we have appeas'd Why I, that did love Cæsar when I struck him, your wisdom. Ant. I doubt not of Let each man render me his bloody hand: First, Marcus Brutus, will I shake with you :Next, Caius Cassius, do I take your hand ;Now, Decius Brutus, yours ;-now yours, Metellus ; Yours, Cinna;-and, my valiant Casca, yours ;Though last, not least in love, yours, good Trebo nius. Gentlemen all,-alas! what shall I say? My credit now stands on such slippery ground, That I did love thee, Cæsar, O, 'tis true: Shall it not grieve thee, dearer than thy death, * Our arms, in strength of malice,] i. e. To you (says Brutus) our swords have leaden points: our arms, strong in the deed of malice they have just performed, and our hearts united like those of brothers in the action, are yet open to receive you with all possible regard. To see thy Antony making his peace, Pardon me, Julius!-Here wast thou bay'd, brave hart; Here didst thou fall; and here thy hunters stand, Cas. Mark Antony,- Cas. I blame you not for praising Cæsar so; But what compact mean you to have with us? Will you be prick'd in number of our friends; Or shall we on, and not depend on you? Ant. Therefore I took your hands; but was, indeed, Our reasons are so full of good regard, Ant. That's all I seek: And am moreover suitor, that I may · crimson'd in thy lethe.] Lethe is used by many of the old translators of novels, for death. Produce his body to the market place; Bru. You shall, Mark Antony. Brutus, a word with you.You know not what you do; Do not consent, That Antony speak in his funeral: [Aside. Know you how much the people may be mov'd Bru. By your pardon;- Cas. I know not what may fall; I like it not. Ant. I do desire no more. Be it so; Bru. Prepare the body then, and follow us. [Exeunt all but ANTONY. Ant. O, pardon me, thou piece of bleeding earth, That I am meek and gentle with these butchers! Thou art the ruins of the noblest man, That ever lived in the tide of times." in the tide of times.] That is, in the course of times. Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood? Which, like dumb mouths, do ope their ruby lips, That mothers shall but smile, when they behold Enter a Servant. You serve Octavius Cæsar, do Serv. I do, Mark Antony. you not? Ant. Cæsar did write for him to come to Rome. And bid me say to you by word of mouth, O Cæsar! [Seeing the Body. Ant. Thy heart is big, get thee apart and weep. Passion, I see, is catching; for mine eyes, Seeing those beads of sorrow stand in thine, 7 Serv. He lies to-night within seven leagues of Rome. let slip-] This is a term belonging to the chase. Slips were contrivances of leather by which greyhounds were restrained till the necessary moment of their dismission. By the dogs of war, as Mr. Tollet has observed, Shakspeare probably meant fire, sword, and famine. Ant. Post back with speed, and tell him what Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome, Hie hence, and tell him so. Yet, stay a while; Enter BRUTUS and CASSIUS, and a Throng of Cit. We will be satisfied; let us be satisfied. Cassius, go you into the other street, And part the numbers.— Those that will hear me speak, let them stay here; Those that will follow Cassius, go with him; And publick reasons shall be rendered Of Cæsar's death. 1 Cit. I will hear Brutus speak. 2 Cit. I will hear Cassius; and compare their reasons, When severally we hear them rendered. [Exit CASSIUS, with some of the Citizens. BRUTUS goes into the Rostrum. 3 Cit. The noble Brutus is ascended: Silence! Bru. Be patient till the last. |