The abuse of greatness is, when it disjoins More than his reason. But 't is a common proof, Then, lest he may, prevent. And, since the quarrel Which, hatch'd, would, as his kind, grow mischievous; BRUTUS OBJECTS TO ANTONY'S BEING PUT TO DEATH WITH CESAR. Dec. Shall no man else be touch'd but only Cæsar? Cas. Decius, well urged :-I think it is not meet, Mark Antony, so well beloved of Cæsar, Should outlive Cæsar: We shall find of him Let Antony and Cæsar fall together. Bru. Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius, To cut the head off, and then hack the limbs ; Like wrath in death, and envy afterwards: For Antony is but a limb of Cæsar. Let us be sacrificers, but no butchers, Caius. In his own charge, or by ill officers, Hath given me some worthy cause to wish Pin. I do not doubt, But that my noble master will appear Such as he is, full of regard and honour. Bru. He is not doubted.-A word, Lucilius: How he received you, let me be resolv'd. Luc. With courtesy, and with respect enough; Nor with such free and friendly conference, Bru. Thou hast describ'd A hot friend cooling: Ever note, Lucilius, There are no tricks in plain and simple faith : BRUTUS'S REASONS FOR AN IMMEDIATE MARCH TO PHILIPPI. What do you think Bru. Well, to our work alive. Of marching to Philippi presently? Cas. This it is: 'Tis better, that the enemy seek us: So shall he waste his means, weary his soldiers, Are full of rest, defence, and nimbleness. Bru. Good reasons must, of force, give place to better. The people, 'twixt Philippi and this ground, For they have grudg'd us contribution: ANTONY, INTRODUCED TO THE CONSPIRATORS, SEES THE DEAD BODY OF CESAR. Bru. Only be patient, till we have appeased Why I, that did love Cæsar when I struck him, Ant. I doubt not of your wisdom. Let each man render me his bloody hand : Now, Decius Brutus, yours ;-now yours, Metellus ; My credit now stands on such slippery ground, That I did love thee, Cæsar, O, 't is true: Shall it not grieve thee, dearer than thy death, In terms of friendship with thine enemies. Pardon me, Julius! Here wast thou bay'd, brave heart; BRUTUS DESCRIBES DECAYING FRIENDSHIP. Bru. What now, Lucilius? is Cassius near? Luc. He is at hand; and Pindarus is come To do you salutation from his master. [Pindarus gives a letter to Brutus. Bru. He greets me well.-Your master, Pindarus, In his own charge, or by ill officers, Hath given me some worthy cause to wish Pin. I do not doubt, But that my noble master will appear Luc. With courtesy, and with respect enough; Nor with such free and friendly conference, Bru. Thou hast describ'd A hot friend cooling: Ever note, Lucilius, : There are no tricks in plain and simple faith BRUTUS'S REASONS FOR AN IMMEDIATE MARCH TO Bru. Well, to our work alive. What do you think Of marching to Philippi presently? Cas. I do not think it good. Bru. Your reason? Cas. This it is: 'Tis better, that the enemy seek us: So shall he waste his means, weary his soldiers, Doing himself offence; whilst we, lying still, Are full of rest, defence, and nimbleness. Bru. Good reasons must, of force, give place to better. The people, 'twixt Philippi and this ground, For they have grudg'd us contribution: If at Philippi we do face him there, Cas. Hear me, good brother. Bru. Under your pardon.-You must note beside, That we have tried the utmost of our friends, Our legions are brim-full, our cause is ripe : The enemy increaseth every day; We, at the height, are ready to decline. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Or does he walk? or is he on his horse? O happy horse, to bear the weight of Antony! Do bravely, horse! for wot'st thou whom thou mov'st? The demi-Atlas of this earth, the arm And burgonet of men.-He's speaking now, Or murmuring, "Where's my serpent of old Nile?" With most delicious poison :-Think on me, ALARUM AFAR OFF, AS AT A SEA-FIGHT. Antony. All is lost; This foul Egyptian hath betrayed me: |