That's true. And it's too bad, Brutus, that you
don't have any mirrors that could display your hidden
excellence to yourself. I've heard many of the noblest
Romans—next to immortal Caesar—speaking of
you, complaining of the tyranny of today's government, and
wishing that your eyes were working better.
BRUTUS
65
Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,
That you would have me seek into myself
For that which is not in me?
BRUTUS
What dangers are you trying to lead me into, Cassius, that you
want me to look inside myself for something that's not
there?
CASSIUS
Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear.
And since you know you cannot see yourself
70
So well as by reflection, I, your glass,
Will modestly discover to yourself
That of yourself which you yet know not of.
And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus.
Were I a common laugher, or did use
75
To stale with ordinary oaths my love
To every new protester, if you know
That I do fawn on men and hug them hard
And, after, scandal them, or if you know
That I profess myself in banqueting
80
To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.
CASSIUS
I'll tell you, good Brutus. And since you know you can
see yourself best by reflection, I'll be your mirror and
show you, without exaggeration, things inside you that you
can't see. And don't be suspicious of me, noble
Brutus. If I were your average fool, or if I made my feelings for
you worthless by making the same promises of friendship to
everybody, or if you'd seen me first flattering men,
hugging them tightly, and later slandering them behind their backs,
or if you hear that I drunkenly declare friendship at banquets with
all the rabble, only then, of course, go ahead and assume
I'm dangerous.
Flourish, and shout within
Trumpets play offstage, and then a shout is
heard.
BRUTUS
What means this shouting? I do fear, the people
Choose Caesar for their king.
BRUTUS
Why are they shouting? I'm afraid the people have made
Caesar their king.
CASSIUS
Ay,
do you fear it?
Then must I think you would not have it so.
CASSIUS
Really, are you afraid of that? Then I have to assume you
don't want him to be king.
