Bru. What said he, when he came unto himself? Casca. Marry, before he fell down, when he perceiv'd the common herd was glad he refused the crown, he plucked me ope his doublet, and offered them his throat to cut.-An I had been a man of any occupation,' if I would not have taken him at a word, I would I might go to hell among the rogues:-and so he fell. When he came to himself again, he said, If he had done or said, any thing amiss, he desired their worships to think it was his infirmity. Three or four wenches, where I stood, cried Alas, good soul !— and forgave him with all their hearts: But there's no heed to be taken of them; if Cæsar had stabbed their mothers, they would have done no less. Bru. And after that, he came, thus sad, away ? Cas. Did Cicero say any thing ? Casca. Ay, he spoke Greek. Cas. To what effect? Casca. Nay, an I tell you that, I'll ne'er look you i' th' face again: But those, that understood him, smiled at one another, and shook their heads: but for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news too: Marullus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs off Caesar's images, are put to silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it. Cas. Will you sup with me to-night, Casca? Cas. Will you dine with me to-morrow ? Casca. Ay, if I be alive, and your mind hold, and your dinner worth the eating. Cas. Good; I will expect you. Casca. Do so; Farewell, both. [Exit CASCA. Bru. What a blunt fellow is this grown to be? He was quick mettle, when he went to school. A mechanic, one of the plebeians to whom he offered his throat. [J. Cms. 11] Casca. So he is now, in execution Which gives men stomach to digest his words Bru. And so it is. For this time I will leave you: And, after this, let Cæsar seat him sure; For we will shake him, or worse days endure. [Exit. SCENE III.-The same. A street. Thunder and lightning. Enter, from opposite sides, CASCA, with his sword drawn, and CICERO. Cic. Good even, Casca: Brought you Cæsar home? Why are you breathless? and why stare you so? Casca. Are not you mov'd, when all the sway3 of earth From that it is disposed to. 2 take hold of my affections. 3 The whole weight or momentum of this globe. [J. CES. 12] Shakes, like a thing unfirm? O Cicero, I have seen tempests, when the scolding winds Cic. Why, saw you any thing more wonderful? Casca. A common slave (you know him well by sight,) Held up his left hand, which did flame, and burn Who glar'd upon me, and went surly by, Cic. Indeed, it is a strange-disposed time: Casca. He doth; for he did bid Antonius Send word to you, he would be there to-morrow. 1 Altogether from the purpose. [J. CES. 13] 2 B 5 Cic. Good night then, Casca: this disturbed sky Is not to walk in. Casca. Your ear is good. Cassius, what night is this? Cas. A very pleasing night to honest men. Casca. Who ever knew the heavens menace so? For my part, I have walk'd about the streets, And, when the cross blue lightning seemed to open Even in the aim and very flash of it. Casca. But wherefore did you so much tempt the heavens? It is the part of men to fear and tremble, Cas. You are dull, Casca; and those sparks of life That should be in a Roman, you do want, Or else you use not: You look pale, and gaze, That is, deviate from quality and nature. [J. CES. 14] 2 1 Prophecy. To monstrous quality; why, you shall find, A man no mightier than thyself, or me, Casca. 'Tis Cæsar that you mean: Is it not, Cas. Let it be who it is: for Romans now Casca. Indeed, they say, the senators to-morrow Mean to establish Cæsar as a king: And he shall wear his crown by sea, and land, Cas. I know where I will wear this dagger then ; Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius: Therein, ye gods, you make the weak most strong; If I know this, know all the world besides, Casca. So can I : So every bondman in his own hand bears • Portentous. [J. Cæs. 15] • Sinews. |