Page 2195 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

DECIUS

Most mighty Caesar, let me know some cause,
Lest I be laughed at when I tell them so. [70]

CAESAR
The cause is in my will: I will not come.
That is enough to satisfy the Senate.

But for your private satisfaction,
Because I love you, I will let you know.
Calphurnia here, my wife, stays me at home. [75]
She dreamt tonight she saw my statue,

Which, like a fountain with an hundred spouts,
Did run pure blood; and many lusty Romans
Came smiling, and did bathe their hands in it.
And these does she apply for warnings and portents [80]

And evils imminent, and on her knee
Hath begged that I will stay at home today.

DECIUS
This dream is all amiss interpreted.
It was a vision fair and fortunate:
Your statue spouting blood in many pipes, [85]

In which so many smiling Romans bathed,
Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck
Reviving blood, and that great men shall press

For tinctures, stains, relics, and cognizance.
This by Calphurnia’s dream is signified. [90]

CAESAR
And this way have you well expounded it.

DECIUS
I have, when you have heard what I can say;
And know it now. The Senate have concluded
To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar.

If you shall send them word you will not come, [95]
Their minds may change. Besides, it were a mock
Apt to be rendered, for someone to say