University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

CASSIUS.
'Tis well it proves no worse.


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BRUTUS.
What worse can be?

CASSIUS.
Sure, Brutus has no reason to complain.

BRUTUS.
Yes, of you, Cassius; if you can believe
I would receive a Favour from a Foe.
Is this a time to be oblig'd by Cæsar?
Good Gods! had I not doubts enough before?
Did I not struggle hard enough for Virtue?
That this last Tenderness of his is added
To shake my very Soul? The strong impression
May break my Heart, but shall not bend my Mind.
Cassius in this is honour'd more than Brutus;
For, when our Country is so much debased,
Repulse is glorious; and Advancement Shame:
I'll not be rais'd by him who ruins her.
It was no private Injury provok'd me;
Frowns had not frighten'd me, nor shall his Favours

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With all their Syren Voice entice me to him.
I must go on through Virtue's plainest course;
In that smooth Path there is no fear of falling.