|
 |
|
| | BRUTUS |
| |
He is addressed. Press near and second him. |
|
| BRUTUS |
|
They're speaking to him. Go up there and second his
petition. |
|
| | CINNA |
| |
Casca, you are the first that rears your hand. |
|
| CINNA |
|
Casca, you'll be the first to raise your hand. |
|
| | CAESAR |
| 35 |
Are we all ready? What is now amiss |
| |
That Caesar and his senate must redress? |
|
| CAESAR |
|
Are we all ready? What problem should I discuss with you
first? |
|
| | METELLUS |
| |
(kneeling)
|
| |
Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar, |
| |
Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat |
| 40 |
An humble heart— |
|
| METELLUS |
|
(kneeling) Most high, most mighty,
and most powerful Caesar, Metellus Cimber kneels before you with a
humble heart— |
|
| | CAESAR |
| |
I must prevent
thee, Cimber. |
| |
These couchings and these lowly courtesies |
| |
Might fire the blood of ordinary men |
| |
And turn preordinance and first decree |
| |
Into the law of children. Be not fond, |
| 45 |
To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood |
| |
That will be thawed from the true quality |
| |
With that which melteth fools—I mean, sweet words, |
| |
Low-crookèd curtsies, and base spaniel fawning. |
| |
Thy brother by decree is banishèd. |
| 50 |
If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him, |
| |
I spurn thee like a cur out of my way. |
| |
Know, Caesar doth not wrong, nor without cause |
| |
Will he be satisfied. |
|
| CAESAR |
|
I have to stop you, Cimber. These kneelings and humble courtesies
might excite ordinary men, flattering them into turning Roman law
into children's games. But don't be so foolish as
to think you can sway me from
what's right by using the tactics that persuade
fools—I mean this flattery, low bows, and puppy-like
fawning. Your brother has been banished by decree. If you kneel and
beg and flatter for him, I'll kick you out of my way like I
would a dog. Know that I am not unjust, and I will not grant him a
pardon without reason. |
|
| | METELLUS |
| |
Is there no voice more worthy than my own |
| 55 |
To sound more sweetly in great Caesar's ear |
| |
For the repealing of my banished brother? |
|
| METELLUS |
|
Is there no voice worthier than my own to appeal to Caesar to
repeal the order that my brother be banished? |
|
| | BRUTUS |
| |
(kneeling) I kiss thy hand, but not
in flattery, Caesar, |
| |
Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may |
| |
Have an immediate freedom of repeal. |
|
| BRUTUS |
|
(kneeling) I kiss your hand, but
not in flattery, Caesar. I ask you to repeal Publius
Cimber's banishment immediately. |
|
|
|
| |
 |
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