selves laugh, to set on some quantity of barren spectators to laugh too; though, in the meantime, some necessary question of the play be then to be considered:—that's villanous; and shows a most pitiful ambition in the fool that uses it. II. CASSIUS INCITING BRUTUS TO CONSPIRE AGAINST CESAR. 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? I cannot tell what you and other men In awe of such a thing as I myself. I was born free as Cæsar; so were you. And bade him follow: so indeed he did. The torrent roar'd; and we did buffet it 66 I, as Eneas, our great ancestor, Did from the flames of Troy, upon his shoulder, Did I the tired Cæsar: and this man Is now become a god; and Cassius is A wretched creature, and must bend his body, And when the fit was on him, I did mark How he did shake: 'tis true this god did shake; And that same eye, whose bend doth awe the world, Ay, and that tongue of his, that bade the Romans Bru.-Another general shout! I do believe that these applauses are For some new honours that are heap'd on Cæsar. Cus. Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world, Like a Colossus; and we, petty men, Walk under his huge legs, and peep about, Men at some time are masters of their fates: Brutus, and Cæsar: What should be in that Cæsar? Why should that name be sounded more than yours? Bru.-That you do love me, I am nothing jealous; I would not-so with love I might entreat you— I will with patience hear; and find a time III.-BRUTUS ON THE DEATH OF CESAR. ROMANS, Countrymen, and lovers! hear me for my cause; and be silent that you may hear. Believe me for mine honour; and have respect to mine honour 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's 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 honour him; but as he was ambitious, I slew him! There are tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honour for his valour, and death for his ambition! Who's here so base, that would be a bondman? if any, speak! for him have I offended. Who's here so rude, that woul not be a Roman? if any, speak! for him have I offended. Who's here so vile, that will 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, mourned 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. IV. ANTONY'S ORATION OVER CÆSAR'S BODY. FRIENDS, Romans, countrymen! lend me your ears; (For Brutus is an honourable man; So are they all-all honourable men ;) He was my friend, faithful and just to me: And Brutus is an honourable man. He hath brought many captives home to Rome, Did this in Cæsar seem ambitious? When that the poor have cried, Cæsar hath wept: And Brutus is an honourable man. I thrice presented him a kingly crown, And, sure, he is an honourable man. I speak, not to disprove what Brutus spoke; You all did love him once; not without cause: O Masters! if I were disposed to stir |