Page 2216 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

to live all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was
fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honour him; [25] but as he was
ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love; joy for his fortune; honour
for his valour; and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be

a bondman? If any, speak, for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that
would not be a Roman? If any, [30] speak, for him have I offended. Who is
here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak, for him have I
offended. I pause for a reply.

ALL

None, Brutus, none.

BRUTUS

Then none have I offended. I have done no more [35] to Caesar than you
shall do to Brutus. The question of his death is enrolled in the Capitol; his
glory not extenuated, wherein he was worthy; nor his offences enforced, for
which he suffered death.

Enter Mark Antony and others, with Caesar’s body.
Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who, [40] though he had no
hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying, a place in the
commonwealth, as which of you shall not? With this I depart, that as I slew

my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when
it shall please my country to [45] need my death.

ALL
Live, Brutus! Live! Live!

FIRST PLEBEIAN
Bring him with triumph home unto his house.

FOURTH PLEBEIAN
Give him a statue with his ancestors.

THIRD PLEBEIAN
Let him be Caesar.

FIFTH PLEBEIAN