10

[_Exit Cassius, with some of the Citizens. Brutus goes
into the rostrum._]

_3 Cit._ The noble Brutus is ascended: silence!

_Bru._ Be patient till the last.
Romans, countrymen, and lovers! hear me for my cause;
and be silent, that you may hear: believe me for mine
honour; and have respect to mine honour, that you may
believe: censure me in your wisdom; and awake your
senses, that you may the better judge. If there be any
in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar's, to him I
say, that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than his. If
then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, 20
this is my answer.--Not that I loved Caesar less, but that
I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living,
and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live
all free men? As Caesar 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 rude that would 30
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. I pause for a
reply.

_All._ None, Brutus, none.

_Bru._ Then none have I offended. I have done no more
to Caesar than you shall do to Brutus. The question of
his death is enrolled in the Capitol; his glory not extenuated,
wherein he was worthy; nor his offences enforced,
for which he suffered death. 40

[_Enter Antony and others, with Caesar's body._]

Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony: who,
though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the
benefit of his dying, a place in the commonwealth; as
which of you shall not? With this I depart,--that, as
I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the
same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country
to need my death.

_All._ Live, Brutus, live! live!

_1 Cit._ Bring him with triumph home unto his house.

_2 Cit._ Give him a statue with his ancestors. 50

_3 Cit._ Let him be Caesar.

_4 Cit._ Caesar's better parts
Shall now be crown'd in Brutus.

_1 Cit._ We'll bring him to his house with shouts and
clamours.

_Bru._ My countrymen,--

_2 Cit._