University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Just as Cassius is going off, enter Titinius hastily, and stops him.
TITINIUS.
The Army of Marc Antony appears,
Fearless, and forward to attempt your Camp.

CASSIUS.
Sure 'tis impossible: Tho' brave to Rashness,
He is a Soldier of too great Experience;
I cannot hope for such a Fault in him.
'Tis safer to bestride the angry Ocean,
Than offer to assault a Roman Camp.
We'll soon correct this insolent Antonius,
And crush the bold Attempt.

(Exit Cassius.
A Charge is sounded.
Re-enter Cassius, with Titinius, Pindarus, and other Officers.
CASSIUS.
Their prosp'rous Rashness terrifies our Men,
Who never fear'd before: I doubt all's lost;
The Liberty of Rome is gone for ever.
I'll perish with it, or redeem the Day.
Titinius, oh make haste, fly tow'rd those Troops;
Discover quickly if they are our Friends.
(Exit Titinius.
Go, Pindarus, get on the rising Ground,
(My Sight thou know'st is short) and take a view
Quite round the Field.

Pindarus goes up the Hill, then calls to Cassius.
PINDARUS.
Hoa, my good Lord!

CASSIUS.
What now?

PINDARUS.
Titinius is seiz'd on by the Foe.

CASSIUS.
Oh, he is taken, and they shout for Joy.
(Cassius goes also to view.
Come down, come down;
Oh, I have liv'd to see my best Friend lost!
And by my own Procurement! Pindarus,
I took thee Pris'ner once, and spar'd thy Life;
All the return I ask, is, now take mine.
(Pindarus turns away weeping
I am thy General, and Master too;
Yet I have us'd thee as becomes a Friend.
A Friend will not deny my last Request.
Kill me with this; with this I slew the Tyrant.

(Cassius presents him his Dagger
PINDARUS.
Is there Necessity?

CASSIUS.
Thou see'st there is.
Dispatch it quickly, while I turn my Face.

PINDARUS.
Then farewel worthy Cassius.

(Pindarus kills himself.
CASSIUS.
What, gone before me? Did I need Example?
For shame now Cassius do thy own last work;
Pindarus leads the Honourable Way.

(Falls on his Sword.