Scene II. And dreadful objects so familiar, JULIUS CESAR. That mothers shall but smile, when they behold Enter a SERVANT. You serve Octavius Cesar, do you not? 41 offended. Who is here so vile that would not love his country? If any, speak; for him bave I offended. I pause for a reply. Cit. None, Brutus, none. [Several speaking at once. I have Bru. Then none have I offended. done no more to Cesar, 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. Enter ANTONY and others with CESAR'S Body. Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony: Ant. Cesar did write for him to come to Rome. ing: And bid me say to you by word of mouth.- [Seeing the Body Ant. Post back with speed, and tell him what Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome, Hie hence, and tell him so. Yet, stay a while; [Exeunt with CESAR's Body. SCENE II.-The same.-The Forum. Enter BRUTUS and CASSIUS, and a throng of CITIZENS. Cit. We will be satisfied; let us be satisfied. Cassius, go you into the other street, [here; Those that will hear me speak, let them stay Of Cesar'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. 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 iny death. Cit. Live, Brutus, live! live! 1 Cit. Bring him with triumph home unto his house. 2 Cit. Give him a statue with his ancestors. 3 Cit. Let him be Cesar. 4 Cit. Cesar's better parts Shall now be crown'd in Brutus. 1 Cit. We'll bring him to his house with shouts and clamours. Bru. My countrymen, 2 Cit. Peace! silence! Brutus speaks. Bru. Good countrymen, let me depart alone, I do entreat you, not a man depart, [Exit. 1 Cit. Stay, ho! and let us hear Mark Antony. 3 Cit. Let him go up into the public chair; We'll hear him :-Noble Antony, go up. Ant. For Brutus' sake, I am beholden to you. 4 Cit. What does he say of Brutus ? 3 Cit. He says, for Brutus' sake, He finds himself beholden to us all. 4 Cit. "Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here. 1 Cit. This Cesar was a tyrant. 3 Cit. Nay, that's certain: We are bless'd, that Rome is rid of him. 2 Cit. Peace; let us hear what Antony can say. your ears; I come to bury Cesar, not to praise him. 3 Cit. The noble Brutus is ascended: Silence! The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones. Bru. Be patient till the last. Romans, countrymen, and lovers! hear me for So let it be with Cesar. The noble Brutus my cause, and be silent, that you may hear: be- Hath told you Cesar was ambitious: lieve me for mine honour, and have respect to If it were so, it was a grievous fault, mine honour, that you may believe: censure me And grievously hath Cesar answer'd it. in your wisdom, and awake your senses, that you Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest, may the better judge. If there be any in this (For Brutus is an honourable man; assembly, any dear friend of Cesar's, to him I So are they all, all honourable men ;) say, That Brutus' love to Cesar was no less than Come I to speak in Cesar's funeral. his. If then that friend demand, why Brutus He was my friend, faithful and just to me: rose against Cesar, this is my answer :-Not that But Brutus says he was ambitious; I loved Cesar less, but that I loved Rome more. And Brutus is an honourable man. Had you rather Cesar were living, and die all He hath brought many captives home to Rome, slaves, than that Cesar were dead, to live all free-Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill: men? As Cesar loved me, I weep for him; As Did this in Cesar seem ambitious? he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was va- When that the poor have cried, Cesar hath wept : liant, I honour him; but, as he was ambitious, Ambition should be made of sterner stuff': I slew him: There are tears for his love; joy Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; for his fortune; honour for his valour; and death And Brutus is an honourable man. for his ambition. Who is here so base, that You all did see that, on the Lupercal, would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Was this ambition have I offended. Who is here so rude, that would which he did thrice refus not be a Roman ? If any, speak; for him have I Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; The signal for giving no quarter. + Fire, sword, and famine. • Friend G And sure he is an honourable man. Cit. Methinks, there is much reason in his Cit. If thou consider rightly of the matter, Cesar has had great wrong. 3 Cit. Has he, masters? I fear there will a worse come in his place. 4 Cit. Mark'd ye his words? He would not take the crown; Therefore, 'tis certain he was not ambitious. 1 Cit. If it be found so, some will dear abide it. 2 Cit. Poor soul! his eyes are red as fire with weeping. 3 Cit. There's not a nobler man in Rome, than Antony. 4 Cit. Now mark him, he begins again to speak. But here's a parchment, with the seal of Cesar; Ant. If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. You all do know this mantle : I remember And, in his mantle muffling up his face, tors. : 1 Cit. O piteous spectacle ! 4 Cit. O traitors, villains! 2 Cit. We will be revenged revenge; about, And they would go and kiss dead Cesar's wounds. -seek,-burn,-tire,-kill,-slay !-let not a trai And dip their napkins in his sacred blood, Yea, beg a hair of him for memory, And, dying, mention it within their wills, Bequeathing it as a rich legacy Unto their issue. 4 Cit. We'll hear the will: Read it, Mark Antony. Cit. The will! the will! we will hear Cesar's will. Ant. Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it; It is not meet you know how Cesar lov'd you. Ant. Will you be patient? Will you stay a 2 Cit. They were villains, murderers: The will! read the will! Ant. You will compel me then to read the will? Then make a ring about the corse of Cesar, And let me show you him that made the will. Shall I descend? And will you give me leave? Cit. Come down. 2 Cit. Descend. [He comes down from the Pulpit. 3 Cit. You shall have leave. 4 Cit. A ring; stand round. 1 Cit. Stand from the herse, stand from the body. 2 Cit. Room for Antony ;-most noble Antony. Ant. Nay, press not so upon me; stand far off. Cit. Stand back! room! bear back! All are too proud to shew him any respect. Said more than I intended. tor live. And will no doubt, with reasons answer you, But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man, That love my friend: and that they know full well That gave me public leave to speak of him. And bid them speak for me: But were I Brutus, 1 Cit. We'll burn the house of Brutus. speak. Cit. Most true ;--the will hear the will. let's stay, and / pluck but his name out of his heart, and turn him going. Ant. Here is the will, and under Cesar's seal. To every Roman citizen he gives, To every several man, seventy-five drachmas. ⚫ 2 Cit. Most noble Cesar !-we'll revenge his death. 3 Cit. O royal Cesar! Ant. Hear me with patience. Cit. Peace, ho! 3 Cit. Tear him, tear him. Come, brands, ho! fire-brands. To Brutus', to Cassius'; burn all. Some to Decius' house, and some to Cas[Exeunt. ca's; some to Ligarius': away; go. ACT IV. Ant. Moreover, he hath left you all his walks, SCENE 1.-The same. A room in ANTONY'S His private arbours, and new-planted orchards, On this side Tyber; he hath left them you, House. And to your heirs for ever; common pleasures, † ANTONY, OCTAVIUS, and LEPIDUS, seated at a To walk abroad, and recreate yourselves. Here was a Cesar: When comes such another? 1 Cit. Never, never :-Come, away, away: We'll burn his body in the holy place, And with the brands fire the traitor's houses. 2 Cit. Go, fetch fire. 3 Cit. Pluck down benches. 4 Cit. Pluck down forms, windows, any thing. [Exeunt CITIZENS, with the Body. Ant. Now let it work : Mischief, thou art afoot, Take thou what course thou wilt!-How now, fellow ? Enter a SERVANT. Serv. Sir, Octavius is already come to Rome. Ant. Where is he? Serv. He and Lepidus are at Cesar's house. Ant. And thither will I straight to visit him: He comes upon a wish. 1 Fortune is merry, And in this mood will give us any thing. Serv. I heard him say, Brutus and Cassius Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome. Ant. Belike, they had some notice of the people, How I had inov'd them. Bring me to Octavius. [Exeunt. SCENE 111.-The same.-A street. Cin. I dreamt to night, that I did feast with And things unluckily charge my fantasy: § Enter CITIZENS. 1 Cit. What is your name? 2 Cit. Whither are you going? 3 Cit. Where do you dwell? Tuble. Lep. I do consent. Oct. Prick him down, Antony. Lep. Upon condition Publius shall not live, Who is your sister's son, Mark Antony. Ant. He shall not live; look, with a spot I But, Lepidus, go you to Cesar's house; The Capitol. [Exit LEPIDUs. Ant. This is a slight unmeritable man, Meet to be sent on errands: Is it fit, The three-fold world divided, he should stand One of the three to share it? Oct. So you thought him; And took his voice who should be prick'd to die, In our black sentence and proscription. Ant. Octavius, I have seen more days than you; And though we lay these honours on this man; To ease ourselves of divers slanderous loads, He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold; To groan and sweat under the business, Either led or driven, as we point the way; And, having brought our treasure where we will Then take we down his load, and turn him off, Like to the empty ass, to shake his ears, And graze in commons. Oct. You may do your will; But he's a tried and valiant soldier. Ant. So is my horse, Octavius; and, for that, I do appoint him store of provender. It is a creature that I teach to fight, To wind, to stop, to run directly on; 4 Cit. Are you a married man, or a bachelor? His corporal motion govern'd by my spirit. 2 (it. Answer every man directly. 1 Cit. Ay, and briefly. 4 Cit. Ay, and wisely. 3 Cit. Ay, and truly, you were best. Cin. What is my name? Whither am I going? Where do I dwell? Am I a married man, or a bachelor? Then to answer every man directly, and briefly, wisely, and truly. Wisely I say, ama bachelor. 2 Cit. That's as much as to say, they are fools that marry :-You'll bear me a bang for that, I fear. Proceed; directly. Cin. Directly, I am going to Cesar's funeral. 1 Cit. As a friend, or an enemy? Cin. As a friend. 2 Cit. That matter is answered directly. 4 Cit. For your dwelling,-briefly. Cin. Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol. 3 Cit. Your name, Sir, truly. Cin. Truly, my name is Cinna. 1 Cit. Tear him to pieces, he's a conspirator. Cin. 1 am Cinna the poet, I am Cinna the And, in some taste, is Lepidus but so; And let us presently go sit in council, Oct. Let us do so: for we are at the stake, SCENE 11-Before BRUTUS' Tent, in the Camp near Sardis. Drum.-Enter BRUTUS, LUCILIUS, LUCIUS, and Soldiers : TITINIUS and PINDARUS meeting them. Bru. Stand here. ,My mind is oppressed with ill-omens و Luc. Give the word, ho! and stand. Bru. What now, Lucilius? is Cassius near? Luc. He is at hand; and Pindarus is come To do you salutation from his master. Are much condemn'd to have an itching pala Cas. I an itching palm ? You know that you are Brutus that speak this, Pin-Or, by the gods, this speech were else your last. [darus, Bra. The name of Cassius honours this corruption, [PINDARUS gives a letter to BRUTUS. Bru. He greets me well.-Your master, In his own change, or by ill officers, Hath given me some worthy cause to wish Things done, undone: but, if he be at hand,' I shall be satisfied. Pin. I do not doubt But that my noble master will appear Bru. He is not doubted.-A word, Lucilius: Bru. Thou hast describ'd A hot friend cooling: Ever note, Lucilius, There are no tricks in plain and simple faith: The greater part, the horse in general, Bru. Hark, he is arriv'd :March gently on to meet him. [March within. And chastisement doth therefore hide his head. Cas. Chastisement ! Bru. Remember March, the ides of March remember! Did not great Julius bleed for justice' sake? Cas. Brutus, bay not me, I'll not endure it: you forget yourself, Bru. Go to; you're not, Cassius. Bru. I say, you are not. Cas. Urge me no more, I shall forget myself; Have mind upon your health, tempt me no fur ther. Bru. Away, slight man! Cas. Is't possible? Bru. Hear me, for I will speak. Must I give way and room to your rash choler? Shall I be frighted, when a madman stares ? Cas. O gods! ye gods! Must I endure all this ? Bru. All this! ay, more: Fret till your proud heart break; Go, show your slaves how choleric you are, Cas. Is it come to this? Bru. You say, you are a better soldier: Let it appear so; make your vaunting true, And it shall please ine well: For mine own part I shall be glad to learn of nobler men. Cas. You wrong me every way, you wrong me, I said an elder soldier not a better: Bru. If you did, I care not. Cas. When Cesar liv'd he durst not thus have mov'd me. Cas. What? durst not tempt him? Cus. Do not presume too much upon my love, I may do that I shall be sorry for. There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats: For 1 can raise no money by vile means; By heaven I had rather coin my heart, A friend should bear his friend's infirmities, But Brutus makes mine greater than they are. Bru. I do not, till you practise them on me. Cas. You love me not. Bru. I do not like your faults. Cas. A friendly eye could never see such faults, Bru. A flatterer's would not though they do appear As huge as high Olympus. Cas. Come, Antony, and young Octavius, come, Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius! For Cassius is aweary of the world: Hated by one he loves; bray'd by his brother; Check'd like a bondman; all his faults observ'd, Set in a note-book, learn'd, and conn'd by rote, To cast into my teeth. Oh! I could weep My spirit from mine eyes!-There is my dagger, And here my naked breast; within, a heart Dearer than Plutus' mine, richer than gold: If that thou be'st a Roman, take it forth; I, that denied thee gold, will give my heart : Strike, as thou didst at Cesar; for I know, When thou didst hate him worse, thou lovd'st him better. Than ever thon lov'st Cassius. Bru. Sheath your dagger: Be angry when you will, it shall have scope; Cas. Hath Cassius liv'd To be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus, When grief, and blood ill-temper'd, vexeth him? Bru. When I spoke that, I was ill-temper'd too. Cas. Do you confess so much? Give me your hand. Bru. And my heart too. Cas. O Brutus ! Bru. What's the matter? Cas. Have you not love enough to bear with me, [me, When that rash humour which my mother gave Makes me forgetful? Bru. Yes, Cassius! and, henceforth, When you are over-earnest with your Brutus, He'll think your mother chides, and leave you so. [Noise within. Poet. Within.] Let me go in to see the generals; There is some grudge between them, 'tis not meet They be alone. Luc. [Within.] You shall not come to them. Poet. [Within.] Nothing but death shall stay me. Enter POET. Cas. How now? What's the matter? Poet. For shame, you generals: What do you mean? Love, and be friends, as two such men should be; For I have seen more years, I'm sure, than ye. Cas. Ha, ha; how vilely doth this cynic rhyme ! Bru. Get you hence, Sirrah: saucy fellow, hence. Cas. Bear with him, Brutus; 'tis his fashion. • Rent. Bru. With what addition? Mess. That by proscription, and bills of outOctavius, Antony, and Lepidus, [lawry, Have put to death a hundred senators. Bru. Therein our letters do not well agree; Mine speak of seventy senators, that died By their proscriptions, Cicero being one. Cas. Cicero one? Mess. Ay, Cicero is dead, And by that order of proscription,- Mes. Nor nothing in your letters writ of her ? Bru. Nothing, Messala. Mess. That, methinks, is strange. Jig, signified a metrical composition. |