Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, ANTONY'S SPEECH TO THE CONSPIRATORS. I know not, gentlemen, what you intend, Who else must be let blood, who else is rank:* If I myself, there is no hour so fit As Cesar's death's hour; nor no instrument 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, REVENGE. Cesar's spirit, ranging for revenge, BRUTUS'S SPEECH TO THE PEOPLE. If there be any in this assembly, any dear frien of Cesar's; to him I say, that Brutus's love to Cesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand, why Brutus rose against Cesar, this is my answer, -Not that I loved Cesar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Cesar were living, and die all slaves; than that Cesar were dead, to live all freemen? As Cesar loved 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 is tears for his love; joy, for his fortune: honour, for his valour; and death, for his ambition. Who is here so base, that would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so * Grown too high for the public safety. †The signal for giving no quarter. To let slip a dog at a deer, &c. was the technical phrase of Shakspeare's time. 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. ANTONY'S FUNERAL ORATION. Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; Hath told you, Cesar was ambitious: And Brutus is an honourable man. He hath brought many captives home to Rome, Did this in Cesar seem ambitious? When that the poor have cried, Cesar hath wept: Yet Brutus says, he was ambitious; I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition? Yet Brutus says, he was ambitious; And, sure, he is an honourable man. I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, What cause withholds you then to mourn for him? But yesterday, the word of Cesar might Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage, Let but the commons hear this testament, And, dying, mention it within their wills, 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 while? I have o'ershot myself, to tell you of it, I fear, I wrong the honourable men,' Whose daggers have stabb'd Cesar: I do fear it. 4 Cit. They were traitors: Honourable men! Cit. The will! the testament! * The meanest man is now too high to do reverence to Cesar. † Handkerchiefs. 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 corpse 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. * * * Ant. If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. You all do know this mantle: I remember The first time ever Cesar put it on; 'Twas on a summer's evening, in his tent; Look: in this place, ran Cassius' dagger through; Even at the base of Pompey's statua,* * Statua, for statue, is common among the old writers 2 Cit. We will be revenged: revenge; about,seek,—burn,—fire,—kill,—slay!-let not a traitor live. Ant. Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up To such a sudden flood of mutiny. They, that have done this deed, are honourable; But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man, I tell you that, which you yourselves do know; Show you sweet Cesar's wounds, poor, poor dumb mouths, And bid them speak for me: But were I Brutus, ACT IV. CEREMONY INSINCERE. Ever note, Lucilius, When love begins to sicken and decay, There are no tricks in plain and simple faith: Make gallant show and promise of their mettle: * Grievances. |