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 CÆSAR. 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? I cannot tell what you and other men 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 And stemming it with hearts of controversy. But ere we could arrive the point proposed, Cæsar cried, "Help me, Cassius, or I sink.” 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, He had a fever when he was in Spain, 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. Cas. Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world, Like a Colossus; and we, petty men, Walk under his huge legs, and peep about, Brutus, and Cæsar: What should be in that Cæsar? Why should that name be sounded more than yours ? Br.-That you do love me, I am nothing jealous; I wild not so with love I might entreat you-- I ul with patience hear; and find a time III. BRUTUS ON THE DEATH OF CÆSAR. ROANS, countrymen, and lovers! hear me for my cause; an be silent that you may hear. Believe me for mine hour; and have respect to mine honour that you may beve. Censure me in your wisdom; and awake your sees, that you may the better judge. If there be any ithis assembly, any dear friend of Cæsar's, to him I say, at Brutus's love to Cæsar was no less than his, If, then, that friend demand why Brutus rose against Casar, 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 is he was ambitious, I slew him! There are tears for his low, joy for his fortune, honour for his valour, and death for his ambition! Who's here so base, that would be a bondman? if ay, speak! for him have I offended. Who's here so rude, tat would not be a Roman? if any, speak! for him have Ioffended. Who's here so vile, that will not love his country? if any, speak! for him have I offended.- -I pause for a eply. None? then none have I offended! I have don no more to Cæsar, than you should do to Brutus. The qestion of his death is enrolled in the Capitol; his glory not etenuated wherein he was worthy; nor his offences enforced, or which he suffered death. Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antor; who, though he had no hand in his death, shall receive tl benefit of his dying, a place in the Commonwealth? as, whi of you shall not? With this I depart- -that as I slew y best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dager for myself, when it shall please my country to need my eath. 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, When that the poor have cried, Cæsar hath wept: Yet Brutus says he was ambitious ; And Brutus is an honourable man. And, sure, he is an honourable man. I speak, not to disprove what Brutus spoke ; |