But, since the affairs of men rest still uncertain, 1 Bru. Even by the rule of that philosophy, 1 For fear of what might fall, so to prevent Cas. 2 Then, if we lose this battle, You are contented to be led in triumph Thorough the streets of Rome? Bru. No, Cassius, no: think not, thou noble Roman, That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome; He bears too great a mind. But this same day 9 The very last time we shall speak together: What are you then determined to do?] i. e. I am resolved in such a case to kill myself. What are you determined of? of that philosophy,] There is certainly an apparent contradiction between the sentiments which Brutus expresses in this, and in his subsequent speech; but there is no real inconsistency. Brutus had laid down to himself as a principle, to abide every chance and extremity of war; but when Cassius reminds him of the disgrace of being led in triumph through the streets of Rome, he acknowledges that to be a trial which he could not endure. Nothing is more natural than this. We lay down a system of conduct for ourselves, but occurrences may happen that will force us to depart from it. 2 arming myself with patience, &c.] Dr. Warburton thinks, that in this speech something is lost; but there needed only a parenthesis to clear it. The construction is this: I am determined to act according to that philosophy which directed me to blame the suicide of Cato; arming myself with patience, &c. JOHNSON. For ever, and for ever, farewell, Cassius! Cas. For ever, and for ever, farewell, Brutus ! If not, 'tis true, this parting was well made. Bru. Why then, lead on.-O, that a man might know The end of this day's business, ere it come! But it sufficeth, that the day will end, And then the end is known, - Come, ho! away! [Exeunt. SCENE II. The same. The Field of Battle. Alarum. Enter BRUTUS and MESSALA. Bru. Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills Unto the legions on the other side: Let them set on at once; for I perceive But cold demeanour in Octavius' wing, [Loud Alarum. And sudden push gives them the overthrow. Ride, ride, Messala: let them all come down. [Exeunt. SCENE III. The same. Another Part of the Field. Alarum. Enter CASSIUS and TITINIUS. Cas. O, look, Titinius, look, the villains fly! Who having some advantage on Octavius, Enter PINDARUS. Pin. Fly further off, my lord, fly further off; Mark Antony is in your tents, my lord! Fly therefore, noble Cassius, fly far off. Cas. This hill is far enough. Look, look, Titinius; Are those my tents, where I perceive the fire? Tit. They are, my lord. Cas. Titinius, if thou lov'st me, Mount thou my horse, and hide thy spurs in him, Tit. I will be here again, even with a thought. [Exit. [Exit PINDARUS. This day I breathed first: time is come round, My life is run his compass. Pin. [above.] O my lord! Cas. What news? Pin. Titinius is Sirrah, what news? Enclosed round about with horsemen, that Now some 'light: - O, he 'lights too:-he's ta'en ; — and, hark! They shout for joy. Cas. [Shout. Come down, behold no more. O, coward that I am, to live so long, To see my best friend ta'en before my face! Enter PINDArus. Come hither, sirrah: In Parthia did I take thee prisoner; And then I swore thee, saving of thy life, That whatsoever I did bid thee do, Thou should'st attempt it. Come now, keep thine oath! Guide thou the sword. - Cæsar, thou art reveng'd, [Dies. Where never Roman shall take note of him. Re-enter TITINIUS, with MESSALA. Mes. It is but change, Titinius; for Octavius Is overthrown by noble Brutus' power, As Cassius' legions are by Antony. Tit. These tidings will well comfort Cassius. [Exit. All disconsolate, Tit. Mes. Is not that he, that lies upon the ground? Tit. But Cassius is no more. No, this was he, Messala, As in thy red rays thou dost sink to-night, So in his red blood Cassius' day is set: Clouds, dews, and dangers come; our deeds are done! Mes. Mistrust of good success hath done this deed. O hateful error, melancholy's child! Why dost thou show to the apt thoughts of men But kill'st the mother that engender'd thee. Tit. What, Pindarus! Where art thou, Pindarus? Into his ears: I may say, thrusting it; As tidings of this sight. Tit. Hie you, Messala, And I will seek for Pindarus the while. [Exit MESSALA. Why didst thou send me forth, brave Cassius? Did I not meet thy friends? and did not they Put on my brows this wreath of victory, And bid me giv't thee +? Didst thou not hear their shouts ? Alas, thou hast misconstrued every thing. But hold thee, take this garland on thy brow; Thy Brutus bid me give it thee, and I Will do his bidding. - Brutus, come apace, And see how I regarded Caius Cassius. — By your leave, gods: This is a Roman's part: Come, Cassius' sword, and find Titinius' heart. [Dies. Alarum. Re-enter MESSALA, with BRUTUS, young CATO, Bru. Where, where, Messala, doth his body lie? Bru. Titinius' face is upward. Cato. He is slain. Bru. O Julius Cæsar, thou art mighty yet! Thy spirit walks abroad, and turns our swords In our own proper entrails. + "give it thee?" MALONE. [Low Alarums. |