Did this in Cæsar seem ambitious? 96 When that the poor have cried, Cæsar hath wept; Ambition should be made of sterner stuff: And Brutus is an honourable man. 100 You all did see that on the Lupercal I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition? 104 And, sure, he is an honourable man. I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, But here I am to speak what I do know. 108 112 First Ple. Methinks there is much reason in his sayings. Sec. Ple. If thou consider rightly of the matter, Cæsar has had great wrong. Third Ple. Has he, masters? 116 I fear there will a worse come in his place. Fourth Ple. Mark'd ye his words? He would not take the crown; Therefore 'tis certain he was not ambitious. First Ple. If it be found so, some will dear abide it. 120 Sec. Ple. Poor soul, his eyes are red as fire with weeping. Third Ple. There's not a nobler man in Rome than Antony. 101 on the Lupercal: on the day of the Lupercalia Fourth Ple. Now mark him; he begins again to speak. Ant. But yesterday the word of Cæsar might Have stood against the world; now lies he there, And none so poor to do him reverence. 124 O masters, if I were dispos'd to stir 128 I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong, Let but the commons hear this testament- And, dying, mention it within their wills, Unto their issue. 132 136 140 Fourth Ple. We'll hear the will: read it, Mark Antony. 144 All. The will, the will! we will hear Cæsar's will! Ant. Have patience, gentle friends; I must not read it: It is not meet you know how Cæsar lov'd you. You are not wood, you are not stones, but men: It will inflame you, it will make you mad. 149 124, 125 word . . . world: his bare assertion would have carried his point against the world 126 And there are none so humble as to show him any respect 136 commons: common people 139 napkins: handkerchiefs 'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs; For if you should, O what would come of it? Fourth Ple. Read the will! we'll hear it, An tony; You shall read us the will, Cæsar's will. 153 Ant. Will you be patient? Will you stay awhile? I have o'ershot myself to tell you of it. I fear I wrong the honourable men 156 160 Sec. Ple. They were villains, murderers. The will! read the will. Ant. You will compel me then to read the will? Then make a ring about the corpse of Cæsar, And let me show you him that made the will. 164 All. Come down. Sec. Ple. Descend. Third Ple. You shall have leave. Fourth Ple. A ring; stand round. 168 First Ple. Stand from the hearse; stand from the body. Sec. Ple. Room for Antony, most noble Antony. [Antony comes down.] Ant. Nay, press not so upon me; stand far off. 172 Ant. If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. You all do know this mantle: I remember The first time ever Cæsar put it on; 176 'Twas on a summer's evening, in his tent, That day he overcame the Nervii. Look, in this place ran Cassius' dagger through: 180 178 That day: on the day on which; cf. n. Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabb'd; Mark how the blood of Cæsar follow'd it, For Brutus, as you know, was Cæsar's angel: For when the noble Cæsar saw him stab, 184 188 Quite vanquish'd him: then burst his mighty heart; 192 Which all the while ran blood, great Cæsar fell. Third Ple. C woeful day! Fourth Ple. O traitors! villains! [All.] Revenge!-About!-Seek!-Burn! Fire!-Kill!-Slay! Let not a traitor live! Ant. Stay, countrymen, First Ple. Peace there! Hear the noble Antony. 186 angel: dear as his guardian spirit 199 dint: impression 196 200 204 208 Sec. Ple. We'll hear him, we'll follow him, we'll die with him! 213 Ant. Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up To such a sudden flood of mutiny. They that have done this deed are honourable: I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts: 221 225 But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man, mouths, And bid them speak for me: but were I Brutus, All. We'll mutiny. First Ple. We'll burn the house of Brutus. Third Ple. Away, then! Come, seek the spirators. 229 233 con 237 Ant. Yet hear me, countrymen; yet hear me speak. All. Peace, ho!-Hear Antony, most noble Antony! 226 Action, nor utterance: orator's powers of gesticulation and elocution 227 right on: with simple straightforwardness 232 ruffle: stir |