And let us presently go sit in council, How covert matters may be best disclosed, Oct. Let us do so: for we are at the stake, And bay'd about with many enemies ; And some, that smile, have in their hearts, I fear, Millions of mischiefs. [Exeunt. SCENE II. Before Brutus's tent, in the camp near Sardis. Drum. Enter BRUTUS, LUCILIUS, LUCIUS, and Soldiers; TITINIUS and Pindarus meeting them. Bru. Stand, ho! Lucil. Give the word, ho! and stand. Bru. What now, Lucilius? is Cassius near? Lucil. He is at hand; and Pindarus is come To do you salutation from his master. [Pindarus gives a letter to Brutus. Bru. He greets me well.-Your master, Pindarus, In his own change, or by ill officers, Hath given me some worthy cause to wish But that my noble master will appear Bru. He is not doubted.-A word, Lucilius : Lucil. With courtesy, and with respect enough; But not with such familiar instances, Nor with such free and friendly conference, As he hath used of old. Bru. Thou hast described A hot friend cooling. Ever note, Lucilius, There are no tricks in plain and simple faith : Lucil. They mean this night in Sardis to be quarter'd ; The greater part, the horse in general, Are come with Cassius. [march within. Bru. Stand ho! Speak the word along. Within. Stand. Within. Stand. Within. Stand. Cas. Most noble brother, you have done me wrong. Bru. Judge me, you gods! Wrong I mine enemies? And, if not so, how should I wrong a brother? wrongs; And, when you do them, Bru. Cassius, be content; Speak your griefs1 softly;-I do know you well : Cas. Pindarus, Bid our commanders lead their charges off Bru. Lucilius, do you the like; and let no man Come to our tent, till we have done our conference. Let Lucius and Titinius guard our door. [Exeunt. SCENE III. Within the tent of Brutus; Lucius and Titinius at some distance from it. Enter BRUTUS and CASSIUS. Cas. That you have wrong'd me doth appear in this: You have condemn'd and noted Lucius Pella, For taking bribes here of the Sardians; 1 For grievances. Wherein, my letters, praying on his side, Because I knew the man, were slighted off. Bru. You wrong'd yourself to write in such a case. Cas. In such a time as this, it is not meet That every nice 1 offence should bear his comment. To undeservers. Cas. I an itching palm ? You know that you are Brutus that speak this, Cas. Chastisement! Bru. Remember March, the ides of March remember! Did not great Julius bleed for justice' sake? 1 Trifling. Cas. Brutus, bait not me; I'll not endure it: you forget yourself, Bru. Cas. I am. Go to; you are not, Cassius. 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! Cas. Is 't possible? Bru. Hear me, for I will speak. Must I give way and room to your rash choler? 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, I'll use you for my mirth, yea, for my laughter, When you are waspish. Cas. Is it come to this? To limit my authority by your direction or censure. |