torch-light
in the air, and then return again with speed to him. The
torch-light was lift up as he had promised, for Statilius went
thither. Now, Brutus seeing Statilius tarry long after that,
and that he came not again, he said, 'If Statilius be alive,
he will come again.' But his evil fortune was such that, as he
came back, he lighted in his enemies' hands and was slain. Now
the night being far spent, Brutus as he sat bowed towards
Clitus, one of his men, and told him somewhat in his ear: the
other answered him not, but fell a-weeping. Thereupon he
proved[A] Dardanus, and said somewhat also to him: at length
he came to Volumnius himself, and speaking to him in Greek,
prayed him for the studies' sake which brought them acquainted
together, that he would help him to put his hand to his sword,
to thrust it in him to kill him. Volumnius denied his request,
and so did many others."--Plutarch, _Marcus Brutus_.]

[Note A: _i.e._ tried. Cf. _1 Samuel_, XVII, 39.]

[Page 163]

BRUTUS. Sit thee down, Clitus: slaying is the word; 4
It is a deed in fashion. Hark thee, Clitus. [_Whispering_]

CLITUS. What, I, my lord? No, not for all the world.

BRUTUS. Peace then! no words.

CLITUS. I'll rather kill myself.

BRUTUS. Hark thee, Dardanius. [_Whispering_]

DARDANIUS. Shall I do such a deed?

CLITUS. O Dardanius!

DARDANIUS. O Clitus! 10

CLITUS. What ill request did Brutus make to thee?

DARDANIUS. To kill him, Clitus. Look, he meditates.

CLITUS. Now is that noble vessel full of grief,
That it runs over even at his eyes.

BRUTUS. Come hither, good Volumnius; list a word. 15

[Note 5, 8: [_Whispering_] Ff omit.]

[Note 8: /Shall/ Ff | Pope omits.]

[Note 13: /noble vessel full./ Cf. _The Winter's Tale_, III,
iii, 21-22.]

[Page 164]

VOLUMNIUS. What says my lord?

BRUTUS. Why, this, Volumnius:
The ghost of Caesar hath appear'd to me 17
Two several times by night; at Sardis once,
And, this last night, here in Philippi fields:
I know my hour is come.

VOLUMNIUS. Not so, my lord. 20

BRUTUS. Nay, I am sure it is, Volumnius.
Thou seest the world, Volumnius, how it goes;
Our enemies have beat us to the pit: [_Low alarums_]
It