University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Enter Brutus and Cassius.
CÆSAR.
You seem amaz'd at such an early Summons;
I have not slept all Night.

CASSIUS.
On what account?

CÆSAR.
'Tis only what I suffer from my Cares.
But my unquiet Mind should not disturb
Such noble Romans, had you not been both
Nearly concern'd in what I have to say.

CASSIUS.
We are betray'd.

(Softly.
BRUTUS.
No matter; let us not
Betray our selves by want of Resolution.

(Softly.
CÆSAR.
The two great vacant Offices of Prætors,
(On which ev'n neighb'ring Princes look with Envy)
Shall now be fill'd by two the greatest Romans.
I owe the Commonwealth that Care, to find
Who best deserves her Favour or her Frown.

CASSIUS.
We neither beg for one, nor fear the other.

CÆSAR.
Cassius, I know your Soul is void of Fear.
And above grudging at your Brother's Greatness.

CASSIUS.
I understand no Oracles; but sure
Brutus and I are Friends, as well as Brothers.

CÆSAR.
And therefore you will be the more contented,
If I advance him ev'n above your self;
Desert like his can never rise too high.
I know no pleasure equal to obliging
Transcendent Merit in an humble Mind.
Such modest Worth should get the Prize from Courtship
Yet this may only be my Love's mistake;
For, I confess my Weakness, I am frail
(Embracing Brutus.
Like other Men, and partial for a Friend;
Yet that's a fault Heav'n easily forgives.
Be thou, my best lov'd Brutus, Chief of Prætors:
And, Cassius may accept the second Place,
(To Cassius.
Not only in the State, but my Affection.
No thanks; a Coin not counted among Friends.

(Exit Cæsar.