Sec. Com. Truly, sir, in respect of a fine workman, I am but, as you would say, a cobbler. II Mar. But what trade art thou? answer me directly. Sec. Com. A trade, sir, that, I hope, I may use with a safe conscience; which is, indeed, sir, a mender of bad soles. P Mar. What trade, thou knave? knave, what trade? thou naughty Sec. Com. Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not out with me: yet, if you be out, sir, I can mend you. Mar. What meanest thou by that? mend me, thou saucy fellow! Sec. Com. Why, sir, cobble you. Flav. Thou art a cobbler, art thou? 20 Sec. Com. Truly, sir, all that I live by is with the awl: I meddle with no tradesman's matters, nor woman's matters, but with awl. I am, indeed, sir, a surgeon to old shoes; when they are in great danger, I recover them. As proper men as ever trod upon Cattley neat's leather have gone upon my handiwork. Flav. But wherefore art not in thy shop to-day? Why dost thou lead these men about the streets? Sec. Com. Truly, sir, to wear out their shoes, to get myself into more work. But, indeed, sir, we make holiday, to see Cæsar and to rejoice in his triumph. Mar. Wherefore rejoice? he home? 32 What conquest brings What tributaries follow him to Rome, To grace in captive bonds his chariot-wheels? You blocks, you things! stones, you worse than senseless O you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome, And do you now put on your best attire? And do you now strew flowers in his way Run to your houses, fall upon your knees, Pray to the gods to intermit the plague 40 50 Fiav. Go, go, good countrymen, and, for this fault, Assemble all the poor men of your sort; Draw them to Tiber banks, and weep your tears Do kiss the most exalted shores of all. 60 [Exeunt all the Commoners. See, whether their basest metal be not moved; Go you down that way towards the Capitol; If you do find them deck d with ceremonies. You know it is the feast of Lupercal. So do you too, where you perceive them thick. Who else would soar above the view of men And keep us all in servile fearfulness. SCENE II. A public place. 70 [Exeunt. Flourish. Enter CESAR; ANTONY, for the course; CALPURNIA, PORTIA, DECIUS, CICERO, BRUTUS, CASSIUS, and CASCA; a great crowd following, among them a Soothsayer. Cas. Stand you directly in Antonius' way, When he doth run his course. Ant. Cæsar, my lord? Antonius! Cas. Forget not, in your speed, Antonius, To touch Calpurnia; for our elders say, Shake off their sterile curse. Ant. I shall remember: When Cæsar says "do this," it is perform'd., Cas. Set on; and leave no ceremony out. Sooth. Cæsar! Cæs. Ha! who calls? 10 [Flourish. Casca. Bid every noise be still: peace yet again! Cas. Who is it in the press that calls on me? Cas. What man is that? Bru. A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March. Cas. Set him before me; let me see his face. 20 Cas. Fellow, come from the throng; look upon. Cæsar. Cæs. What say'st thou to me now? speak once again. Sooth. Beware the ides of March. Cas. He is a dreamer; let us leave him: pass. [Sennet. Exeunt all but Brutus and Cassius. Cas. Will you go see the order of the course? Cas. I pray you, do. Bru. I am not gamesome: I do lack some part Of that quick spirit that is in Antony. Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires; I'll leave you. 30 P Cas. Brutus, I do observe you now of late: Bru. Cassius, Be not deceived: if I have veil'd my look, I turn the trouble of my countenance Of late with passions of some difference, Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors; But let not therefore my good friends be grieved--- Nor construe any further my neglect, Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war, Cas. Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion; By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face? Cas. 'Tis just: And it is very much lamented, Brutus, That you have no such mirrors as will turn I have heard, Where many of the best respect in Rome, 50 |