and complacency to his murderers. But it is not in the soul of man to bear the laceration of slander. The philosophy which could bear it, we should despise. The religion which could bear it, we should not despisebut we should be constrained to say, that its kingdom was not of this world ROLLA'S ADDRESS. My brave associates, partners of my toils, my feelings and my fame. Can Rolla's words add vigor to the virtuous energies which inspire your hearts? No, you have judged as I have, the foulness of the crafty plea by which these bold invaders would delude ye. Your generous spirit has compared, as mine has, the motives. which in a war like this can animate their minds and ours. They, by a strange phrenzy driven, fight for power, for plunder and extended rule; we-for our country, our altars and our homes! They follow an adventurer whom they fear, and obey a power which they hate; we serve a country which we love-a God whom we adore. Wher'er they move in anger, desolation tracks their progress; wher'er they pause in amity, affliction mourns their friendship. They boast they come but to improve our state, enlarge our thoughts and free us from the yoke of error. Yes, they will give enlightened freedom to our minds, who are themselves the slaves of passion, avarice and pride. They offer us their protection; yes, such protection as vultures give to lambs, covering and devouring them. They call on us to barter all of good we have inherited and proved, for the desperate chance of something better which they promise. Be our plain answer this: The throne we honor is the people's choice; the laws we reverence are our brave fathers' legacy; the faith we follow, teaches us to live in bonds of charity with all mankind and die -with hope of bliss beyond the grave. Tell your invaders this, and tell them too, we seek no change, and least of all, such change as they would bring us. BRUTUS' HARANGUE ON THE DEATH OF CÆSAR. Romans, Countrymen, and Lovers!-Hear me for my cause; and be silent that you may hear. Believe me for mine honor; and have respect to mine honor, that you may believe. Censure me in your wisdom; and awake your senses, that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Cæsar's, to him I say, that Brutus' love to Cæsar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Cæsar, this is my answer: Not that I loved Cæsar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Cæsar were living, and die all slaves; than that Cæsar were dead, to live all freemen? As Cæsar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honor him; but as he was ambitious-I slew him. There are tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his valor, and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman? if any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so rude, that would not be a Roman? if any, speak, for him have I offended. Who is here so vile, that would not love his country? if any, speak; for him have I offended. I pause for a reply None! Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Cæsar than you should do to Brutus. The question of his death is enrolled in the capitol; his glory not extenuated, wherein he was worthy; nor his offences enforced, for which he suffered death. Here comes his body, mourn'd by Mark Antony; who, though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying, a place in the commonwealth; as which of you shall not?-With this I depart—that as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death. 13* ANTONY'S ORATION OVER CESAR'S BODY. Friends, Romans, Countrymen! Lend me your ears. So are they all, all honorable men, He was my friend, faithful and just to me: He hath brought many captives home to Rome, When that the poor have cried, Cæsar hath wept I thrice presented him a kingly crown; Which he did thrice refuse: Was this ambition? And sure, he is an honorable man. I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke; You all did love him once; not without cause; Have stood against the world! Now lies he there Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage, I will not do them wrong-I rather choose But here's a parchment, with the seal of Cæsar; Let but the commons hear this testament, And they would go and kiss dead Cæsar's wounds, And, dying, mention it within their wills, Unto their issue If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. 'Twas on a summer's evening in his tent, Look! In this place ran Cassius' dagger through- E'en at the base of Pompey's statue, Which all the while ran blood, great Cæsar fell. Here is himself-marr'd as you see, by traitors.- They that have done this deed are honorable I come not friends, to steal I am no orator, as Brutus is; away your hearts! But as you know me all, a plain blunt man I tell you that which you yourselves do know- And bid them speak for me. But, were I Brutus, EULOGY PRONOUNCED AT THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 1826. By WILLIAM WIRT. The scenes which have been lately passing in our country, and of which this meeting is a continuance, are full of moral instruction. They hold up to the world a lesson of wisdom by which all may profit, if Heaven shall grant them the discretion to turn it to its use. The spectacle, in all its parts, has indeed, been most solemn and impressive; and though the first impulse be now past, the time has not yet come, and never will it come, when we can contemplate it, without renewed emotion. |