1Cassius sits rather unwillingly.

2It is remarkable that what is called "graft," was rife in Cæsar's time.

Cassius would rise again, but Brutus holds him down with his words.

*They almost wrangle over the table here.

Cas. (Rising). I, an itching palm! You know that you are Brutus that speak this, Or, by the gods, this speech were else your last. Bru. The name of Cassius honours this

corruption,

And chastisement doth therefore hide his head. Cas. Chastisement!

Bru. Remember March, the ides of March

remember:1

2

Did not great Julius bleed for justice's sake?
What villain touch'd his body, that did stab,
And not for justice? What, shall one of us,
That struck the foremost man of all this world
But for supporting robbers:2 shall we now
Contaminate our fingers with base bribes,
And sell the mighty space of our large honours
For so much trash as may be grasped thus?
I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon,
Than such a Roman.

Cas.3

Brutus, bay not me;

I'll not endure it: you forget yourself,

To hedge me in; I am a soldier, I,

Older in practice, abler than yourself
To make conditions.

Bru.1

Go to; you are not, Cassius.

1Cassius slowly and threateningly rising. 2Brutus slowly compels him to reseat himself and speaks slowly and deliberately.

Cassius seems rooted to his seat; he is practically boiling with anger; he eventually rises and goes down L.

Brutus rises here and stands erect as if he were a giant.

"They come together again C.

Cas. I am.

Bru. I say you are not.

Cas. Urge me no more, I shall forget myself; Have mind upon your health, tempt me no farther.

Bru. Away, slight man!

Bru.2

Hear me, for I will speak. Must I give way and room to your rash choler? Shall I be frighted when a madman stares?

Cas. O ye gods, ye gods! must I endure all this?

Bru. All this! ay, more: fret till your proud heart break;

Go show your slaves how choleric you are,
And make your bondmen tremble. Must I
budge?

Must I observe you? must I stand and crouch
Under your testy humour? By the gods,
You shall digest the venom of your spleen,
Though it do split you; for, from this day forth,
I'll use you for my mirth, yea, for my laughter,
When you are waspish. (Crosses to R.)

Cas. (Going L C). Is it come to this?
Bru. You say you are a better soldier:5

'Brutus is really conscience stricken. It is the fashion with many actors to stride up and down the stage in this scene; there is a somewhat undignified quarrel between too practised generals, but the words are so big it seems to me unnecessary to march about; certainly for Brutus. "They are beginning again.

Cassius is greatly moved at this.

*Brutus remains very firm, for he knows Cassius was inclined to be a moral coward.

"This is the climax and finishes up the dispute; Cassius is almost painfully mastered.

"His honesty of purpose is his redeeming feature; but unfortunately it could not mend matters. Cœsar's great popularity has been manifested and Brutus and Cassius stand revealed; one as a defeated fanatic, the other as a great soul easily led. Their climax is reached; their work seems finished; there is left them to die for their cause.