Not hew him as a carcase for the hounds :- [Casca.] But it is doubtful If Cæsar will come forth to-day, or not, [Decimus.] Never fear that: For I can give his humour the true bent, [Brutus [Cassius.] The morning comes on us: we'll leave you, And, friends, disperse yourselves: but all remember What you have said, and show yourselves true Romans. [Brutus.] Good gentlemen, look fresh and merrily: With untir'd spirits; and so, good-morrow all. While the conspirators are taking leave of Brutus, his wife Portia appears at an inner door; when they are gone, he addresses her: Portia, what mean you? Wherefore rise you thus? Your weak condition to the raw-cold morning. [Portia.] Nor for yours neither. You've ungently, Brutus, I ought to know: and, upon my knees, That you unfold to me, yourself, your half, [Brutus.] Kneel not, gentle Portia. [Portia.] I should not need, if you were gentle Brutus. [Brutus.] You are my true and honourable wife; [Portia.] If this were true, then should I know this secret. I grant I am a woman, but withal A woman that lord Brutus took to wife: I grant I am a woman, but withal A woman well reputed-Cato's daughter. Tell me your counsels, I will not disclose them: [Brutus.] O, ye gods, Render me worthy of this noble wife ! Portia, go in awhile, And by-and-by thy bosom shall partake The secrets of my heart. THE ASSASSINATION OF CESAR; THE DEFENCE OF BRUTUS; AND THE FUNERAL ORATION OF ANTONY; INDICATED BY SCENES SUPPOSED TO OCCUR AT CESAR'S PALACE; AT THE SENATE-HOUSE; AND IN THE FORUM. HISTORICAL MEMORANDA.. The Romans held the name of king in abhorrence and contempt. They remembered the tyranny of the last of their own kings. They were accustomed to see kings led in chains in the triumphs of their consuls. All the distant kings whom they knew of sought their friendship with eagerness; and many were the tributary kings who owned the Roman supremacy. Therefore, though they yielded unreluctantly to the sway of Cæsar under the names of dictator or imperator, it seemed degradation to them when it was proposed that he should rule them as a king. Yet Cæsar desired this title; and it was thought that the senate intended to confer it in the meeting which was summoned for the ides, or 15th of March, in the 44th year before the Christian era. The conspirators, who now amounted to about sixty, thought that this was therefore a fit day for their attempt. It was in a compartment of Pompey's theatre that the senate was to be held; and Metellus Cimber is said to have petitioned Cæsar in favour of his brother (one of the signals agreed upon), in the portico before he entered the senate. Previously to this, various circumstances, on the day itself, threatened to retard or to betray the enterprise. Cæsar was half persuaded not to go to the senate that day; and when he changed his mind, and was on his way thither, there were those at hand who were ready to warn him of his danger. We are to imagine an apartment in Cæsar's palace : His wife Calpurnia is speaking to him : [Calpurnia.] What mean you, Cæsar? Think you to walk You shall not stir out of your house to-day. [forth? [me [Cæsar.] Cæsar shall forth. The things that threaten'd Ne'er look'd but on my back: when they shall see The face of Cæsar, they shall vanish. [Calpurnia.] I am not given to fear at omens, Cæsar, A lioness hath whelped in the streets; [Cæsar.] What can be avoided Whose end is purpos'd by the mighty gods? [Calpurnia.] When beggars die, there are no comets seen: The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes. [Cæsar.] Cowards die many times before their deaths; [Calpurnia.] Alas! my lord, Your wisdom is consum'd in confidence. Do not go forth to-day: the dream I told you [a pause.] [Cæsar.] So let it be: thy humour shall prevail : [Decimus.] Most mighty Cæsar, let me know some cause, Lest I be laugh'd at when I tell them so. [Cæsar.] The cause is in my will; I will not come: Hath begg'd, that I will stay at home to-day. [Decimus.] This dream is all amiss interpreted; [Cæsar.] You've well expounded it. [Decimus.] You will have cause to say so, when you know What rests behind: the senate have concluded To give, this day, a crown to mighty Cæsar: If you shall send them word you will not come, Their minds may change. Besides, it were a mock Apt to be render'd, for some one to say, "Break up the senate till another time, When Cæsar's wife shall meet with better dreams." [Cæsar.] How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia : Good friends, go in, and taste some wine with me, |