Could chance, or fenfelefs atoms join To form a foul fo great as his? Or would those pow'rs we hold divine, The doubtful are the only wife. And, what must more perplex our thoughts; Great Jove the best of Romans fends, To do the very worst of faults, And kill the kindest of his friends. All this is far above our reach, ACT V. SCENE I. SCENE the FORUM. Enter BRUTUS and CASSIUS, followed by crowds of Citizens. BEHOLD I CITIZEN. EHOLD the men who have deliver'd Rome! 2 CITIZEN. BRUTUS has freed us all, and he shall rule us. We will be free, and serve the noble BRUTUS. Why, Friends, ye speak impoffibilities; Would ye be free, yet ferve? how odd that founds! Why we have done this deed, and for whofe fakes. I would hear BRUTUS speak. 2 CITIZEN. I'll follow CASSIUS: And we'll compare together what they say. 3 CITIZEN. The noble BRUTUS is afcended: SILENCE! BRUTUS. Friends, dearest countrymen, and worthy Romans; Hear me throughout with patience, not with passion: Who is it here thinks CAESAR innocent? If then the very best of CAESAR's friends But 'twas because I lov'd my country more. have CAESAR live, and die all flaves; As he was valiant, I honour him: But, as he was ambitious, I flew him. Who's here fo bafe, as would become a bondman? Who's here fo rude, that would not be a Roman? : Ev'n his best friend, before the publick good? What fay you countrymen ? CITIZEN. None, BRUTUS, none. BRUTUS. Then none have I offended by his death. His glory not diminish'd in the least. Here comes his body, mourn'd by good ANTONIUS; Enter ANTONY with the body of CAESAR. Who, tho' a friend of CAESAR, is ours too; Whenever Rome shall wish, or need my death. I CITIZEN. [Defcends. Live, BRUTUS, live: bring him in triumph home. 2 CITIZEN. Give him a statue by his ancestors. 3 CITIZEN. Let him be CAESAR. 4 CITIZEN. CAESAR was nothing to him; Let him be crown'd, I will have BRUTUS Crown'd. BRUTUS. Hold, worthy countrymen. I CITIZEN. Peace; filence. 2 CITIZEN. Peace; For BRUTUS fpeaks again. BRUTUS. You'll make me draw this dagger once again; Your fellow-friend, rather than live your lord. If one must rule, there's none could do it better. I CITIZEN. This CAESAR was a tyrant; BRUTUS fays fo; For, neighbours, why should BRUTUS kill him elfe? Notably faid! answer me that who can. ANTONY. For BRUTUS' fake I am beholden to you. Bb |