Reading Help THE TRAGEDY OF JULIUS CAESAR
Over your friend that loves you. `
` BRUTUS. Cassius, `
` Be not deceived; if I have veil'd my look, `
` I turn the trouble of my countenance `
` Merely upon myself. Vexed I am `
` Of late with passions of some difference, `
` Conceptions only proper to myself, `
` Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors; `
` But let not therefore my good friends be grieved- `
` Among which number, Cassius, be you one- `
` Nor construe any further my neglect `
` Than that poor Brutus with himself at war `
` Forgets the shows of love to other men. `
` CASSIUS. Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion, `
` By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried `
` Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations. `
` Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face? `
` BRUTUS. No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself `
` But by reflection, by some other things. `
` CASSIUS. 'Tis just, `
` And it is very much lamented, Brutus, `
` That you have no such mirrors as will turn `
` Your hidden worthiness into your eye `
` That you might see your shadow. I have heard `
` Where many of the best respect in Rome, `
` Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus `
` And groaning underneath this age's yoke, `
` Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes. `
` BRUTUS. Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, `
` That you would have me seek into myself `
` For that which is not in me? `
` CASSIUS. Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear, `
` And since you know you cannot see yourself `
` So well as by reflection, I your glass `
` Will modestly discover to yourself `
` That of yourself which you yet know not of. `
` And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus; `
` Were I a common laugher, or did use `
` To stale with ordinary oaths my love `
` To every new protester, if you know `
` That I do fawn on men and hug them hard `
` And after scandal them, or if you know `
` That I profess myself in banqueting `
` To all the rout, then hold me dangerous. `
` Flourish and shout. `
` BRUTUS. What means this shouting? I do fear the people `
` Choose Caesar for their king. `
` CASSIUS. Ay, do you fear it? `
` Then must I think you would not have it so. `
` BRUTUS. I would not, Cassius, yet I love him well. `
` But wherefore do you hold me here so long? `
` What is it that you would impart to me? `
` If it be aught toward the general good, `
` Set honor in one eye and death i' the other `
` And I will look on both indifferently. `
` For let the gods so speed me as I love `
` The name of honor more than I fear death. `
` CASSIUS. I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus, `
` As well as I do know your outward favor. `
` Well, honor is the subject of my story. `
` I cannot tell what you and other men `
` Think of this life, but, for my single self, `
` I had as lief not be as live to be `
` In awe of such a thing as I myself. `
` I was born free as Caesar, so were you; `
` We both have fed as well, and we can both `
` Endure the winter's cold as well as he. `
` For once, upon a raw and gusty day, `
` The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores, `
` Caesar said to me, "Darest thou, Cassius, now `
` Leap in with me into this angry flood `
` And swim to yonder point?" Upon the word, `
` Accoutred as I was, I plunged in `
` And bade him follow. So indeed he did. `
` The torrent roar'd, and we did buffet it `
` With lusty sinews, throwing it aside `
` And stemming it with hearts of controversy. `
` But ere we could arrive the point proposed, `
` Caesar cried, "Help me, Cassius, or I sink! `
` I, as Aeneas our great ancestor `
` Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder `
` The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber `
` Did I the tired Caesar. And this man `
` Is now become a god, and Cassius is `
` A wretched creature and must bend his body `
` If Caesar carelessly but nod on him. `
` He had a fever when he was in Spain, `
` And when the fit was on him I did mark `
` How he did shake. 'Tis true, this god did shake; `
` His coward lips did from their color fly, `
` And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world `
` Did lose his luster. I did hear him groan. `
` Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans `
` Mark him and write his speeches in their books, `
` Alas, it cried, "Give me some drink, Titinius," `
` As a sick girl. Ye gods! It doth amaze me `
` A man of such a feeble temper should `
` So get the start of the majestic world `
` And bear the palm alone. Shout. Flourish. `
` BRUTUS. Another general shout! `
` I do believe that these applauses are `
` For some new honors that are heap'd on Caesar. `
` CASSIUS. Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world `
` Like a Colossus, and we petty men `
` Walk under his huge legs and peep about `
` To find ourselves dishonorable graves. `
` Men at some time are masters of their fates: `
` The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, `
` But in ourselves that we are underlings. `
` Brutus and Caesar: what should be in that "Caesar"? `
` Why should that name be sounded more than yours? `
` Write them together, yours is as fair a name; `
` Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well; `
` Weigh them, it is as heavy; conjure with 'em, `
` "Brutus" will start a spirit as soon as "Caesar." `
` Now, in the names of all the gods at once, `
` Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed `
` That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed! `
` Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods! `
` When went there by an age since the great flood `
` But it was famed with more than with one man? `
` When could they say till now that talk'd of Rome `
` That her wide walls encompass'd but one man? `
` Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough, `
` When there is in it but one only man. `
` O, you and I have heard our fathers say `
` There was a Brutus once that would have brook'd `
` The eternal devil to keep his state in Rome `
` As easily as a king. `
` BRUTUS. That you do love me, I am nothing jealous; `
` What you would work me to, I have some aim. `
` How I have thought of this and of these times, `
` I shall recount hereafter; for this present, `
` I would not, so with love I might entreat you, `
` Be any further moved. What you have said `
` I will consider; what you have to say `
` I will with patience hear, and find a time `
` Both meet to hear and answer such high things. `
` Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this: `
` Brutus had rather be a villager `
` Than to repute himself a son of Rome `
` Under these hard conditions as this time `
` Is like to lay upon us. `
` CASSIUS. I am glad that my weak words `
` Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus. `
` `
` Re-enter Caesar and his Train. `
` `
` BRUTUS. The games are done, and Caesar is returning. `
` CASSIUS. As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve, `
` And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you `
` What hath proceeded worthy note today. `
` BRUTUS. I will do so. But, look you, Cassius, `
` The angry spot doth glow on Caesar's brow, `
` And all the rest look like a chidden train: `
` Calpurnia's cheek is pale, and Cicero `
` Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes `
` As we have seen him in the Capitol, `
` Being cross'd in conference by some senators. `
` CASSIUS. Casca will tell us what the matter is. `
` CAESAR. Antonio! `
` ANTONY. Caesar? `
` CAESAR. Let me have men about me that are fat, `
` Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep o' nights: `
` Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; `
` He thinks too much; such men are dangerous. `
` ANTONY. Fear him not, Caesar; he's not dangerous; `
` He is a noble Roman and well given. `
` CAESAR. Would he were fatter! But I fear him not, `
` Yet if my name were liable to fear, `
` I do not know the man I should avoid `
` So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much, `
` He is a great observer, and he looks `
` Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays, `
` As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music; `
` Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort `
` As if he mock'd himself and scorn'd his spirit `
` That could be moved to smile at anything. `
` Such men as he be never at heart's ease `
` Whiles they behold a greater than themselves, `
` And therefore are they very dangerous. `
` I rather tell thee what is to be fear'd `
` Than what I fear, for always I am Caesar. `
` Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf, `
` And tell me truly what thou think'st of him. `
` Sennet. Exeunt Caesar and all his Train but Casca. `
` CASCA. You pull'd me by the cloak; would you speak with me? `
` BRUTUS. Ay, Casca, tell us what hath chanced today `
` That Caesar looks so sad. `
` CASCA. Why, you were with him, were you not? `
` BRUTUS. I should not then ask Casca what had chanced. `
` CASCA. Why, there was a crown offered him, and being offered `
` him, `
` he put it by with the back of his hand, thus, and then the `
` people fell ashouting. `
` BRUTUS. What was the second noise for? `
` CASCA. Why, for that too. `
` CASSIUS. They shouted thrice. What was the last cry for? `
` CASCA. Why, for that too. `
` BRUTUS. Was the crown offered him thrice? `
` CASCA. Ay, marry, wast, and he put it by thrice, every time `
`
` BRUTUS. Cassius, `
` Be not deceived; if I have veil'd my look, `
` I turn the trouble of my countenance `
` Merely upon myself. Vexed I am `
` Of late with passions of some difference, `
` Conceptions only proper to myself, `
` Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors; `
` But let not therefore my good friends be grieved- `
` Among which number, Cassius, be you one- `
` Nor construe any further my neglect `
` Than that poor Brutus with himself at war `
` Forgets the shows of love to other men. `
` CASSIUS. Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion, `
` By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried `
` Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations. `
` Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face? `
` BRUTUS. No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself `
` But by reflection, by some other things. `
` CASSIUS. 'Tis just, `
` And it is very much lamented, Brutus, `
` That you have no such mirrors as will turn `
` Your hidden worthiness into your eye `
` That you might see your shadow. I have heard `
` Where many of the best respect in Rome, `
` Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus `
` And groaning underneath this age's yoke, `
` Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes. `
` BRUTUS. Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, `
` That you would have me seek into myself `
` For that which is not in me? `
` CASSIUS. Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear, `
` And since you know you cannot see yourself `
` So well as by reflection, I your glass `
` Will modestly discover to yourself `
` That of yourself which you yet know not of. `
` And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus; `
` Were I a common laugher, or did use `
` To stale with ordinary oaths my love `
` To every new protester, if you know `
` That I do fawn on men and hug them hard `
` And after scandal them, or if you know `
` That I profess myself in banqueting `
` To all the rout, then hold me dangerous. `
` Flourish and shout. `
` BRUTUS. What means this shouting? I do fear the people `
` Choose Caesar for their king. `
` CASSIUS. Ay, do you fear it? `
` Then must I think you would not have it so. `
` BRUTUS. I would not, Cassius, yet I love him well. `
` But wherefore do you hold me here so long? `
` What is it that you would impart to me? `
` If it be aught toward the general good, `
` Set honor in one eye and death i' the other `
` And I will look on both indifferently. `
` For let the gods so speed me as I love `
` The name of honor more than I fear death. `
` CASSIUS. I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus, `
` As well as I do know your outward favor. `
` Well, honor is the subject of my story. `
` I cannot tell what you and other men `
` Think of this life, but, for my single self, `
` I had as lief not be as live to be `
` In awe of such a thing as I myself. `
` I was born free as Caesar, so were you; `
` We both have fed as well, and we can both `
` Endure the winter's cold as well as he. `
` For once, upon a raw and gusty day, `
` The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores, `
` Caesar said to me, "Darest thou, Cassius, now `
` Leap in with me into this angry flood `
` And swim to yonder point?" Upon the word, `
` Accoutred as I was, I plunged in `
` And bade him follow. So indeed he did. `
` The torrent roar'd, and we did buffet it `
` With lusty sinews, throwing it aside `
` And stemming it with hearts of controversy. `
` But ere we could arrive the point proposed, `
` Caesar cried, "Help me, Cassius, or I sink! `
` I, as Aeneas our great ancestor `
` Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder `
` The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber `
` Did I the tired Caesar. And this man `
` Is now become a god, and Cassius is `
` A wretched creature and must bend his body `
` If Caesar carelessly but nod on him. `
` He had a fever when he was in Spain, `
` And when the fit was on him I did mark `
` How he did shake. 'Tis true, this god did shake; `
` His coward lips did from their color fly, `
` And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world `
` Did lose his luster. I did hear him groan. `
` Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans `
` Mark him and write his speeches in their books, `
` Alas, it cried, "Give me some drink, Titinius," `
` As a sick girl. Ye gods! It doth amaze me `
` A man of such a feeble temper should `
` So get the start of the majestic world `
` And bear the palm alone. Shout. Flourish. `
` BRUTUS. Another general shout! `
` I do believe that these applauses are `
` For some new honors that are heap'd on Caesar. `
` CASSIUS. Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world `
` Like a Colossus, and we petty men `
` Walk under his huge legs and peep about `
` To find ourselves dishonorable graves. `
` Men at some time are masters of their fates: `
` The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, `
` But in ourselves that we are underlings. `
` Brutus and Caesar: what should be in that "Caesar"? `
` Why should that name be sounded more than yours? `
` Write them together, yours is as fair a name; `
` Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well; `
` Weigh them, it is as heavy; conjure with 'em, `
` "Brutus" will start a spirit as soon as "Caesar." `
` Now, in the names of all the gods at once, `
` Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed `
` That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed! `
` Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods! `
` When went there by an age since the great flood `
` But it was famed with more than with one man? `
` When could they say till now that talk'd of Rome `
` That her wide walls encompass'd but one man? `
` Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough, `
` When there is in it but one only man. `
` O, you and I have heard our fathers say `
` There was a Brutus once that would have brook'd `
` The eternal devil to keep his state in Rome `
` As easily as a king. `
` BRUTUS. That you do love me, I am nothing jealous; `
` What you would work me to, I have some aim. `
` How I have thought of this and of these times, `
` I shall recount hereafter; for this present, `
` I would not, so with love I might entreat you, `
` Be any further moved. What you have said `
` I will consider; what you have to say `
` I will with patience hear, and find a time `
` Both meet to hear and answer such high things. `
` Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this: `
` Brutus had rather be a villager `
` Than to repute himself a son of Rome `
` Under these hard conditions as this time `
` Is like to lay upon us. `
` CASSIUS. I am glad that my weak words `
` Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus. `
` `
` Re-enter Caesar and his Train. `
` `
` BRUTUS. The games are done, and Caesar is returning. `
` CASSIUS. As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve, `
` And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you `
` What hath proceeded worthy note today. `
` BRUTUS. I will do so. But, look you, Cassius, `
` The angry spot doth glow on Caesar's brow, `
` And all the rest look like a chidden train: `
` Calpurnia's cheek is pale, and Cicero `
` Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes `
` As we have seen him in the Capitol, `
` Being cross'd in conference by some senators. `
` CASSIUS. Casca will tell us what the matter is. `
` CAESAR. Antonio! `
` ANTONY. Caesar? `
` CAESAR. Let me have men about me that are fat, `
` Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep o' nights: `
` Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; `
` He thinks too much; such men are dangerous. `
` ANTONY. Fear him not, Caesar; he's not dangerous; `
` He is a noble Roman and well given. `
` CAESAR. Would he were fatter! But I fear him not, `
` Yet if my name were liable to fear, `
` I do not know the man I should avoid `
` So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much, `
` He is a great observer, and he looks `
` Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays, `
` As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music; `
` Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort `
` As if he mock'd himself and scorn'd his spirit `
` That could be moved to smile at anything. `
` Such men as he be never at heart's ease `
` Whiles they behold a greater than themselves, `
` And therefore are they very dangerous. `
` I rather tell thee what is to be fear'd `
` Than what I fear, for always I am Caesar. `
` Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf, `
` And tell me truly what thou think'st of him. `
` Sennet. Exeunt Caesar and all his Train but Casca. `
` CASCA. You pull'd me by the cloak; would you speak with me? `
` BRUTUS. Ay, Casca, tell us what hath chanced today `
` That Caesar looks so sad. `
` CASCA. Why, you were with him, were you not? `
` BRUTUS. I should not then ask Casca what had chanced. `
` CASCA. Why, there was a crown offered him, and being offered `
` him, `
` he put it by with the back of his hand, thus, and then the `
` people fell ashouting. `
` BRUTUS. What was the second noise for? `
` CASCA. Why, for that too. `
` CASSIUS. They shouted thrice. What was the last cry for? `
` CASCA. Why, for that too. `
` BRUTUS. Was the crown offered him thrice? `
` CASCA. Ay, marry, wast, and he put it by thrice, every time `
`