Page 2215 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2
P. 2215
Scene II IT
Enter Brutus and Cassius, with the Plebeians.
PLEBEIANS
We will be satisfied! Let us be satisfied!
BRUTUS
Then follow me and give me audience, friends.
Cassius, go you into the other street
And part the numbers.
Those that will hear me speak, let ’em stay here; [5]
Those that will follow Cassius, go with him;
And public reasons shall be renderèd
Of Caesar’s death.
FIRST PLEBEIAN
I will hear Brutus speak.
SECOND PLEBEIAN
I will hear Cassius, and compare their reasons,
When severally we hear them renderèd. [10]
Exit Cassius with some of the Plebeians.
THIRD PLEBEIAN
The noble Brutus is ascended. Silence!
BRUTUS
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 [15] 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, this [20]
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,
