Cas. So oft as that shall be, So often shall the knot of us be call'd Cas. Enter a Servant. A friend of Antony's. Serv. Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel; Say I fear'd Cæsar, honour'd him, and lov'd him. I never thought him worse. Tell him, so please him come unto this place, Serv. I'll fetch him presently. Bru. I know that we shall have him well to friend. Cas. I wish we may: but yet have I a mind That fears him much; and my misgiving still Bru. But here comes Antony. Re-enter ANTONY. [Exit. Welcome, Mark Antony. Ant. O mighty Cæsar! dost thou lie so low? Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, I know not, gentlemen, what you intend, As Cæsar's death's hour; nor no instrument Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich With the most noble blood of all this world. I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard, Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke, No place will please me so, no mean of death, Bru. O Antony! beg not your death of us. Hath done this deed on Cæsar. For your part, With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence. In the disposing of new dignities. Bru. Only be patient till we have appeas'd The multitude, beside themselves with fear, Why I, that did love Cæsar when I struck him, Ant. I doubt not of your wisdom. First, Marcus Brutus, will I shake with you;- Now, Decius Brutus, yours;-now yours, Metellus ;- My credit now stands on such slippery ground That I did love thee, Cæsar, O, 'tis true: If, then, thy spirit look upon us now, Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death Most noble! in the presence of thy corse? In terms of friendship with thine enemies. Pardon me, Julius!-Here wast thou bay'd, brave hart; And this, indeed, O world, the heart of thee.- Dost thou here lie! Cas. Mark Antony,- Cas. I blame you not for praising Cæsar so; Ant. Therefore I took your hands; but was, indeed, Sway'd from the point by looking down on Cæsar. Friends am I with you all, and love you all; Upon this hope, that you shall give me reasons Why and wherein Cæsar was dangerous. Bru. Or else were this a savage spectacle: Ant. Bru. You shall, Mark Antony. Brutus, a word with you. You know not what you do: do not consent [Aside to BRU. That Antony speak in his funeral: Know you how much the people may be mov'd By that which he will utter? Bru. By your pardon ; I will myself into the pulpit first, Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies. 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 bleeding piece of 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. Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood! That mothers shall but smile when they behold Enter a Servant. You serve Octavius Cæsar, do you not? Ant. Cæsar did write for him to come to Rome. O Cæsar![Seeing the body. Ant. Thy heart is big, get thee apart and weep. Passion, I see, is catching; for mine eyes, Serv. He lies to-night within seven leagues of Rome. Ant. Post back with speed, and tell him what hath chanc'd: Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome, No Rome of safety for Octavius yet; Hie hence and tell him so. Yet, stay awhile; SCENE II.-ROME. [Exeunt with CÆSAR's body. The Forum. Enter BRUTUS and CASSIUS, and a throng of Citizens. Citizens. We will be satisfied; let us be satisfied. Bru. Then follow me, and give me audience, friends. —— Cassius, go you into the other street, And part the numbers.— Those that will hear me speak, let 'em stay here; And public 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. 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' 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 |