_fis_) translated as
if it were from _fier_: "Brutus answered him, being yet but a
young man, and not over greatly experienced in the world; 'I
trust (I know not how) a certain rule of philosophy, by the
which I did greatly blame ... Cato for killing himself, as
being no lawful nor godly act, touching the gods; nor,
concerning men, valiant: but, being now in the midst of the
danger, I am of a contrary mind.'"--Plutarch, _Marcus Brutus_.
Wright, in his note on this passage, shows how the true
meaning is obscured by bad printing and punctuation. Brutus's
answer begins really with, 'Being yet but a young man'; and 'I
trust' is evidently a past tense (Old English 'truste') which
must have been read by Shakespeare as the present.]

[Page 152]

BRUTUS. 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
Must end that work the Ides of March begun;
And whether we shall meet again I know not. 115
Therefore our everlasting farewell take.
For ever, and for ever, farewell, Cassius!
If we do meet again, why, we shall smile;
If not, why then this parting was well made.

CASSIUS. For ever, and for ever, farewell, Brutus! 120
If we do meet again, we'll smile indeed;
If not, 'tis true this parting was well made.

BRUTUS. 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, 125
And then the end is known. Come, ho! away! [_Exeunt_]

SCENE II. _The field of battle_

_Alarum. Enter_ BRUTUS _and_ MESSALA

BRUTUS. Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills
Unto the legions on the other side: [_Loud alarum_]
Let them set on at once; for I perceive
But cold demeanour in Octavius' wing,
And sudden push gives them the overthrow. 5
Ride, ride, Messala: let them all come down. [_Exeunt_]

[Note 114: /the Ides/ F1 | that Ides F2 F3 F4.]

[Note: SCENE II Capell | Scene IV Pope.]

[Note 4: /Octavius'/ Pope | Octavio's Ff.]

[Note 113: "The philosopher indeed renounced all confidence in
his own principles. He had adopted them from reading or
imitation; they were not the natural growth of instinct or
genuine reflection; and, as may easily happen in such a case,
his faith in them failed when they were tested by adve