Page 2173 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

CASSIUS

Let it be who it is; for Romans now [80]
Have thews and limbs like to their ancestors;
But − woe the while! − our fathers’ minds are dead,

And we are governed with our mothers’ spirits.
Our yoke and sufferance show us womanish.

CASCA
Indeed, they say the senators tomorrow [85]
Mean to establish Caesar as a king,
And he shall wear his crown by sea and land

In every place save here in Italy.

CASSIUS

I know where I will wear this dagger then;
Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius. [90]
Therein, ye gods, you make the weak most strong;

Therein, ye gods, you tyrants do defeat.
Nor stony tower, nor walls of beaten brass,
Nor airless dungeon, nor strong links of iron,
Can be retentive to the strength of spirit; [95]
But life, being weary of these worldly bars,

Never lacks power to dismiss itself.
If I know this, know all the world besides,
That part of tyranny that I do bear

I can shake off at pleasure.
Thunder still.

CASCA
So can I. [100]
So every bondman in his own hand bears
The power to cancel his captivity.

CASSIUS
And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?

Poor man, I know he would not be a wolf
But that he sees the Romans are but sheep. [105]
He were no lion were not Romans hinds.