Plebeians.
Pleb.
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;
Those, that will follow Cassius, go with him;
And publick reasons shall be rendered
Of Cæsar's death.
1 Pleb.
I will hear Brutus speak,
2 Pleb.
I will hear Cassius, and compare their reasons,
-- 55 --
When sev'rally we hear them rendered.
[Exit Cassius, with some of the Plebeians.
Pleb. 3
The noble Brutus is ascended: silence!
Bru.
Be patient 'till the last.
Romans, 6 noteCountrymen, 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.
&plquo;If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of
Cæsar's, to him I say, that Brutus's 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 lov'd Cæsar less, but that I lov'd Rome
more. Had you rather Cæsar were living, and dye
all slaves; than that Cæsar were dead, to live all
free-men? As Cæsar lov'd me, I weep for him; as
he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant,
I honour him; but as he was ambitious, I slew him.
There are tears for his love, joy for his fortune,
honour for his valour, and death for his ambition.
Who's here so base, that would be a bond-man? If
any, speak; for him have I offended. Who's here
so rude, that would not be a Roman? if any, speak;
for him have I offended. Who is here so vile, that
will not love his Country? if any, speak; for him
have I offended—I pause for a Reply—&prquo;
-- 56 --
All.
None, Brutus, none.
Bru.
Then none have I offended—I have done no
more to Cæsar, than you shall do to Brutus. The
question of his death is inroll'd in the Capitol; his
glory not extenuated, wherein he was worthy; nor
his offences enforc'd, for which he suffered death.
Enter Mark Antony with Cæsar's body.
Here comes his body, mourn'd by Mark Antony; who,
though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the
benefit of his dying, a place in the 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 my death.
All.
Live, Brutus, live! live!
1 Pleb.
Bring him with triumph home unto his house.
2 Pleb.
Give him a statue with his Ancestors.
3 Pleb.
Let him be Cæsar.
4 Pleb.
Cæsar's better Parts
Shall be crown'd in Brutus.
1 Pleb.
We'll bring him to his house with shouts and clamours.
Bru.
My Countrymen—
2 Pleb.
Peace! silence! Brutus speaks.
1 Pleb.
Peace, ho!
Bru.
Good Countrymen, let me depart alone,
And, for my sake, stay here with Antony;
Do grace to Cæsar's corps, and grace his speech
Tending to Cæsar's glories; which Mark Antony
By our permission is allow'd to make.
I do intreat you, not a man depart,
Save I alone, till Antony have spoke.
[Exit.
Alexander Pope [1747], The works of Shakespear in eight volumes. The Genuine Text (collated with all the former Editions, and then corrected and emended) is here settled: Being restored from the Blunders of the first Editors, and the Interpolations of the two Last: with A Comment and Notes, Critical and Explanatory. By Mr. Pope and Mr. Warburton (Printed for J. and P. Knapton, [and] S. Birt [etc.], London) [word count] [S11301].
