Bru. Such an exploit have I in hand, Ligarius, Lig. By all the gods that Romans bow before, Brave son, derived from honourable loins! Lig. I shall unfold to thee, as we are going To whom it must be done. Set on your foot, 320 330 Bru. Follow me then. [Exeunt. Scene II. Casar's house. Thunder and lightning. Enter Casar, in his night-gown. Cas. Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace to-night: Thrice hath Calpurnia in her sleep cried out, Help, ho! they murder Cæsar!' Who's within ? Serv. My lord? Cas. Go bid the priests do present sacrifice, And bring me their opinions of success. Serv. I will, my lord. [Exit. Enter Calpurnia. Cal. What mean you, Cæsar? think you to walk forth? Cal. Cæsar, I never stood on ceremonies, Cas. There is one within, Besides the things that we have heard and seen, ΙΟ And graves have yawn'd, and yielded up their dead; In ranks and squadrons and right form of war, The noise of battle hurtled in the air, Horses did neigh and dying men did groan, And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets. And I do fear them. What can be avoided Cal. When beggars die, there are no comets seen; 20 30 The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes. Cas/Cowards die many times before their death; The valiant never taste of death but once. It seems to me most strange that men should fear; Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come. Re-enter Servant. What say the augurers? Serv. They would not have you to stir forth to-day. Cal. We are two lions litter'd in one day, And I the elder and more terrible: And Cæsar shall go forth. Alas, my lord, Your wisdom is consumed in confidence. : Do not go forth to-day call it my fear Enter Decius. Here's Decius Brutus, he shall tell them so. Cas. And you are come in very happy time, 40 50 60 And tell them that I will not come to-day : Cæs. Shall Cæsar send a lie? Have I in conquest stretch'd mine arm so far, To be afeard to tell graybeards the truth? Decius, go tell them Cæsar will not come. Dec. Most mighty Cæsar, let me know some cause, Lest I be laugh'd at when I tell them so. Cas. The cause is in my will: I will not come; That is enough to satisfy the senate. But, for your private satisfaction, Because I love you, I will let you know. Calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home: She dreamt to-night she saw my statuë, Which like a fountain with an hundred spouts Did run pure blood, and many lusty Romans Came smiling and did bathe their hands in it: And these does she apply for warnings and portents And evils imminent, and on her knee 70 81 Hath begg'd that I will stay at home to-day. Dec. This dream is all amiss interpreted; It was a vision fair and fortunate: 90 And know it now: the senate have concluded If you shall send them word you will not come, Their minds may change. Besides, it were a mock Apt to be render'd, for some one to say 'Break up the Senate till another time, When Cæsar's wife shall meet with better dreams.' If Cæsar hide himself, shall they not whisper 'Lo, Cæsar is afraid'? Pardon me, Cæsar, for my dear dear love To your proceeding bids me tell you this, And reason to my love is liable. Cas. How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia ! I am ashamed I did yield to them. Give me my robe, for I will go. Enter Publius, Brutus, Ligarius, Metellus, Casca, And look where Publius is come to fetch me. Pub. Good morrow, Cæsar. Cas. Bru. Welcome, Publius. What, Brutus, are you stirr'd so early too? As that same ague which hath made you lean. Cæsar, 'tis strucken eight. Cas. I thank you for your pains and courtesy. Enter Antony. See! Antony, that revels long o' nights, Is notwithstanding up. Good morrow, Antony. 100 |