CASSIUS.
The Fight is well begun, most noble Brutus.
And may the rest be still so favourable,
That we may lengthen out our Lives to Age,
In all the peaceful Joys of Love and Friendship.
But, since the Chance of War is most uncertain,
'Tis Wisdom to provide against the worst;
Which is, our Parting, if we lose the Battel,
Never to meet again: In such a Case
What is my dearest Friend resolv'd to do?

BRUTUS.
I am, alas, so weary of a World,
All full of Faults and Follies, I would leave it:

But that to me it seems a Want of Spirit
To shrink from Life for fear of future ill.
'Tis to distrust the Justice of the Gods,
Or else their Pow'r; and is in my Opinion,
Not Courage, but a bold Disguise for Fear.
With Patience arm'd, I'll bear the Blows of Fortune.

CASSIUS.
Then dearest Brutus, you can be content
To wear a Chain; nay what is yet much worse
To see great Rome as much a Slave as you?

BRUTUS.
Oh never, never come that fatal Day!
The very Sound offends. Oh you have nam'd
The only thing, ye Gods, I cannot bear.
Whene'er ye send that Summons, 'tis my last.
And therefore, lest we ne'er should meet again,
Here let us take our everlasting Leave.

CASSIUS.
For ever, and for ever, farewel Brutus!

After this famous Day we shall be Victor,
Or else, beyond the sense of being vanquish'd.

BRUTUS.
For ever, and for ever, farewel Cassius!
'Twill be with Pleasure if we meet hereafter;
If not, this Parting is our greatest Pain. (Exeunt severally.

Previous section

Next section