University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

Enter Varius and Lucilius.
VARIUS.
The Areopagite Council long have sate,
To do great Brutus some unwonted Honour.
Some voted to renew th' Olympic Games,
Others with Plays would crowd the Theatres;
But these were held Diversions too divine,
And only consecrated to the Gods.
At last, the wisest and most famous Senate,
In love to you, in service to the Publick,
In veneration for superior Virtue,
Resolves to rear your Statue carv'd by Samius,
That greatest Artist, for the best of Men;
And place it in the sacred Temple, next
Harmonius and Aristogiton,
Those worthy Patriots of learned Athens.

LUCILIUS.
How many Ages hence shall wealth of Princes
Vye for these dear Remains, so doubly famous,
Both for the Work, and him it represents!

BRUTUS.
Was ever Honour from so wise a People
Design'd so kindly, yet bestow'd so ill?
I am not only destitute of Merit,
But of Ambition, more than to do good.
Fame's only due for Deeds beyond our Duty;
Who can do those in Service of his Country?
The Romans, and ev'n Cassius, may repine
At such a partial proof of their Affection.
Advise me how to shun it with Respect.

VARIUS.
You should not, cannot now, without Affront.
No mean Assembly this, such as proceeds
In shew for publick Good, with private Aim;
Sluggish to meet, yet hasty to resolve.
These, in safe Methods, and with prudent Steps,
Encourage Virtue, and uphold their Country.