Page 2255 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

OCTAVIUS

Upon the right hand I; keep thou the left.

ANTONY
Why do you cross me in this exigent?

OCTAVIUS
I do not cross you; but I will do so. [20]

Drum. Enter Brutus, Cassius, and their army, with Lucilius, Titinius, and
Messala.

BRUTUS
They stand and would have parley.

CASSIUS

Stand fast, Titinius. We must out and talk.

OCTAVIUS

Mark Antony, shall we give sign of battle?

ANTONY
No, Caesar, we will answer on their charge.
Make forth, the generals would have some words. [25]

OCTAVIUS
Stir not until the signal.

BRUTUS
Words before blows; is it so, countrymen?

OCTAVIUS

Not that we love words better, as you do.

BRUTUS

Good words are better than bad strokes, Octavius.